Manchester United fans are pointing fingers at one player after their team suffered a heartbreaking last-minute defeat against Brighton on Saturday.
The 2-1 loss at Old Trafford has left many supporters frustrated, with anger directed primarily at Harry Maguire, who they believe failed to properly clear the ball in the dying moments of the game.
The match had been a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but struggling to find the net. Brighton took the lead in the first half through a well-placed shot by Danny Welbeck.
United responded in the second half, with Amad Diallo, continuing his rise in the team, scoring a crucial equalizer. The Red Devils seemed to be gaining momentum and pressing for a winner, but it was Brighton who had the final say.
In the 90th minute, Brighton launched one last attack. A cross into the box should have been dealt with comfortably, but Maguire’s attempted clearance lacked conviction.
The ball fell kindly for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, who made no mistake in slotting it past André Onana, sealing all three points for the Seagulls.
The scenes of celebration from the Brighton players were in stark contrast to the dismay etched on the faces of United fans and players alike.
Immediately after the final whistle, social media was flooded with criticism aimed at Maguire. Fans expressed their frustration with the center-back’s performance, claiming that his inability to clear the ball cost United the game.
Comments like “He is the only one to blame, he couldn’t even clear the ball,” and “This is why he shouldn’t be starting” echoed across various platforms.
This latest setback adds to what has been a rocky period for Maguire at Manchester United.
After losing the captaincy to Bruno Fernandes and facing criticism for his performances last season, this moment will only further fuel the calls for him to be benched.
Despite the negativity, some fans have called for calm, reminding others that football is a team sport and that Maguire alone shouldn’t shoulder all the blame.
However, with Raphael Varane’s departure leaving a gap in defense, Erik ten Hag’s options are limited, and he may have to continue relying on Maguire for the foreseeable future.
As the dust settles on this painful defeat, Manchester United fans will be hoping for a swift response from their team as they prepare for their next Premier League encounter.
