Brighton 0-2 Manchester United: Red Devils end season on a high but miss out on European spots

Manchester United won 2-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, capping off a disappointing Premier League season ahead of next week's FA Cup final against Manchester City, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.

With the victory, United finished the season in eighth place -- their lowest position in the Premier League era -- with 60 points, trailing Newcastle United on goal difference, while Brighton finished 11th with 48 points.

What appeared to be a final-day game between two mid-table teams with nothing to play for became more significant on Saturday with the abrupt announcement that Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi would leave the club after the game.

His team dominated United in the first half and should have led early in the second, but Joao Pedro's close-range shot was cleared off the line by Casemiro.

After barely creating anything noteworthy, United took the lead in the 73rd minute when Igor Julio made a defensive error, allowing Portuguese midfielder Dalot to nip in behind the defence and tuck home Casemiro's long pass.

That goal took the wind out of the Seagulls' sails, and substitute Hojlund sealed the three points in the 88th minute to give Erik ten Hag's side a boost ahead of their Wembley showdown with City, who will be looking to complete a domestic double after winning the league.

SportsLigue