Media review: Manchester United

So goodbye, Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian’s final game in charge did not end with the result most of a sun-kissed Amex would have wanted, but reporters in the press box recognized the quality of Albion’s performance against Manchester United.

Chris Wheeler, the Daily Mail’s The United man, wrote that “Brighton have said goodbye to Roberto De Zerbi and Manchester United can say goodbye to Europe if they fail to win the FA Cup final next weekend. On this evidence, it is a huge question.

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

“De Zerbi’s side were once again the better for long periods here as the Italian retired after two years as manager at the Amex Stadium, but they failed to make it count and they were punished with late goals in the last quarter.

“In the first half, his players gave him yet another vibrant performance that has become such an important feature of his tenure. Brighton dominated much of the game and created the best chances, particularly when Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared the line from Joao Pedro and Martinez made a crucial interception to keep out Adam Webster’s header at a corner.

“Webster headed in another Valentin Barco cross, Pedro curled an effort wide of the far post and Andre Onana parried Barco’s left-footed shot after Simon Adingra had turned Kobbie Mainoo and ripped through United’s middle.”

In the the Guardian, John Brewin noted that “Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from Brighton looks like a case of breaking up as friends before a relationship turns sour when the two sides want different things. He received a full-time honor guard, a video montage celebrating “Il Capo” and the warmest of applause.

“He leaves a club where continuity at the back allows the loss of a manager to be just a blip, and his first nod was to Tony Bloom.

“United’s approach in the first half of the year was direct – and ineffective. Brighton’s attacking exchanges were much trickier, with De Zerbi, hands in pockets, coaxing them.

“The departing Italian will be fondly remembered for last season’s sixth-place finish, the resulting European adventures and the exciting style that made his and the club’s reputation. Ten Hag was lucky his team didn’t go into the dressing room at half-time two or three down.

“In the second half, Casemiro and Martínez were forced into the last ditch as Brighton stepped up again with their high pressing. Adam Lallana, who left the club this summer, received a standing ovation when he was substituted. Dalot’s cool finish for the first goal came against the clock, although by then the game had developed an end-of-season flavour.”

Pete Hall of ia wrote that “De Zerbi has revolutionized the way Brighton play football. His possession-based style, even more adventurous at the back than Pep Guardiola’s on a budget, was 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 Sun. wrote that “Brighton supporters have made their mixed feelings known about the change taking place in the dugout.

“A Roberto De Zerbi banner was unfurled before kick-off and the departing Italian’s name was also sung, taking them to Europe for the first time in their history. But so was visionary owner Bloom, who led the club’s rise from the lower leagues and whose judgment remains unquestioned in these parts.

“De Zerbi has become famous for his tantrums on the sidelines when his team doesn’t follow his instructions exactly. 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 before the break when an attack slowed down.

“Joao Pedro had the goal at his mercy before the break and immediately after it. But in the first instance he hit wide and in the second a Casemiro block denied him before Lisandro Martinez denied Adam Lallana’s pursuit.”

Ryan Taylor of The mirror thought ‘Brighton looked determined to give outgoing boss De Zerbi the perfect send-off as they relish the chance to cause more misery for United’s Dutchman (Ten Hag).

“Idle loanee Sofyan Amrabat was ripped to shreds in what will surely turn out to be his last Premier League appearance for the Red Devils.

“Carlos Baleba left the Moroccan in his wake before sending on Valentin Barco, 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 the fine legs of the out-of-contract Adam Lallana, who left the pitch in tears on his last Albion appearance.

“Brighton maintained their dominance after the break and were inches from going over when Casemiro cleared the line off Pedro before the returning Lisandro Martinez deflected Lallana’s effort away.

“De Zerbi was still received with gratitude by the home faithful despite Saturday’s shock announcement as he greeted the Amex faithful one last time before waving goodbye.”