Media review: Manchester United

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The national press with their verdicts on the final game of the De Zerbi era.

Nick Szczepanik

2024-05-20T09:31:00Z

Adam Lallana was captain in his final appearance for the club.

So farewell then, Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian’s final match in charge did not end with the result that most of a sun-kissed Amex wanted, but the reporters in the press box recognised the quality of the Albion performance against Manchester United.

Chris Wheeler, the Daily Mail’s United man, wrote that “Brighton said farewell to Roberto De Zerbi and Manchester United can kiss goodbye to Europe unless they win the FA Cup final next weekend. On this evidence, it's a huge ask.

“United could easily have suffered a fifth straight defeat by the Seagulls, losing to Brighton having lost its shock value since Erik ten Hag was embarrassed in his first game in charge at Old Trafford at the start of last season.

“De Zerbi's side were better again for long periods here as the Italian signed off after two years as manager at the Amex Stadium, but they failed to make it count and were punished by late goals in the final quarter.

“In the first half, his players gave him another of the vibrant performances that have become such a feature of his tenure. Brighton bossed much of the match and created the best chances, notably when Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared off the line from Joao Pedro and Martinez made a crucial interception to keep out Adam Webster's header at a corner.

Roberto De Zerbi's final game in charge ended in defeat to Manchester United.

“Webster glanced another header wide from Valentin Barco's cross, Pedro whipped an effort wide of the far post, and Andre Onana kept out Barco's shot with his left foot after Simon Adingra had turned Kobbie Mainoo and torn through the heart of United's midfield.”

In The Guardian, John Brewin noted that “Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from Brighton appears a case of parting as friends before a relationship turns sour when the two parties desire different things. He received a full-time guard of honour, a video montage celebrating 'Il Capo’ and the warmest applause.

“He leaves a club where backroom continuity allows the loss of a manager to be only a glancing blow and his first nod was to Tony Bloom.

“United’s first-half approach was direct – and ineffective. Brighton’s attacking interchanges were far more intricate, with De Zerbi, hands-in-pockets, cajoling them on.

“The departing Italian will be recalled fondly for last season’s sixth place finish, resultant European adventures and the exciting style that made his and the club’s reputation. Ten Hag was lucky his team did not enter the half-time dressing room two or three down.

Adam Lallana gives his final interview for Brighton following the last match of the campaign against Manchester United.

“The second half saw Casemiro and Martínez forced into last-ditch clearances as Brighton stepped it up again with their high press. Adam Lallana, leaving the club this summer, was given a standing ovation when subbed off. Dalot’s cool finish for the first goal came against the run of play, though by then the game had developed an end-of-season flavour.”

Pete Hall of the i wrote that “De Zerbi has revolutionised the way Brighton play football. His possession-based style, one even more adventurous out from the back than Pep Guardiola’s, on a shoestring budget, has been fascinating to watch.

“The way Brighton taught United a lesson at Old Trafford earlier this season will live long in the memory. But a campaign that promised so much ended with a whimper.”

Tom Barclay of The Sun wrote that “Brighton supporters made their mixed feelings known about the change happening in the dugout.

“A banner of Roberto De Zerbi was unfurled before kick-off, and the outgoing Italian’s name was sung too, having taken them to Europe for the first time in their history. But so was that of visionary owner Bloom, who has masterminded the club’s rise from the lower leagues and whose judgement remains unquestioned in these parts.

“De Zerbi has become famed for his angry outbursts on the side of the pitch when his side do not carry out his exact instructions. And it was never going to be any different here just because it was his last game, and he ranted and raved with ten minutes to go to the break when an attack slowed down.

“Joao Pedro had the goal at his mercy before half-time and just after it. But in the first instance, he lashed wide, and in the second, a Casemiro block denied him before Lisandro Martinez repelled Adam Lallana’s follow-up.”

Roberto De Zerbi give his final interview as Brighton boss following the defeat to Man United in the Premier League.

Ryan Taylor of The Mirror thought that “Brighton appeared determined to give departing boss De Zerbi the perfect send off, while also relishing the chance to inflict further misery upon United's under-fire Dutchman [Ten Hag].

“Underwhelming loanee Sofyan Amrabat was torn to shreds on what will surely prove to be his final Premier League appearance for the Red Devils.

“Carlos Baleba left the Moroccan in his wake before sending Valentin Barco through on goal but the teenage Argentine left-back fired straight at Andre Onana after dancing inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

“Adam Webster also went close with three separate headers before Joao Pedro squandered a glorious chance, flashing wide after fine feet from out-of-contract Adam Lallana, who left the field in tears on his final Albion appearance.

“Brighton maintained their dominance after the interval and were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Casemiro cleared off the line from Pedro before the returning Lisandro Martinez deflected Lallana's effort narrowly over.

“De Zerbi was still gratefully received by the home faithful despite Saturday's shock announcement, as he saluted the Amex faithful for the final time before waving goodbye.”