Calamitous Man Utd confront their new reality after latest Brighton humiliation
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Man Utd 1-3 Brighton: Ruben Amorim’s side struggled once again, finding new ways to concede in chaotic fashion as the Seagulls grabbed a third successive win at Old Trafford. The juxtaposition of Manchester United’s history and the current reality can often be awkward, sometimes unfair. But after a poignant reminder of their glorious past came an illustration of the troubled present.
![[Flowers are laid in front of the Trinity statue in memory of former Manchester United player Denis Law]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/19/16/47/Flowers-are-laid-in-front-of-the-Trinity-statue-in-memory-of-former-Manchester-United-player-Denis-L.jpeg)
United paid tribute to Denis Law, but only before the game. Once it started, with a certain predictability, Brighton recorded their regulation win over United. Law may forever remain the king of the Stretford End but, for one afternoon only, the princes of a corner of the East Stand that housed the visiting fans were Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Georgino Rutter.
After the tributes, the trouble. A wreath was laid by three 1968 European Cup-winning players, in Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand and Brian Kidd, and the 1999 and 2008 Champions League-winning manager, in Sir Alex Ferguson. And then the team marooned in 13th lost for the fourth time in five home matches. That Law’s final kick of the ball was a backheeled winner for Manchester City as United were relegated is an illustration their history is not unblemished. Nevertheless, this is shaping up as United’s worst league season for decades.
![[Manchester United's Andre Onana reacts after his latest blunder]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/19/16/15/Manchester-Uniteds-Andre-Onana-reacts-after-his-latest-blunder.jpeg)
The right sort of history was made by Brighton, joining Manchester City as the only team to record three consecutive Premier League away wins at Old Trafford. Law never faced Albion with United; divisions separated the clubs then, but now Brighton are eight points and four places above the fallen giants.
![[Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana appears dejected after his latest blunder]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/19/16/42/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-Andre-Onana-appears-dejected-after-his-latest-blunder.jpeg)
