Manchester United’s under-21s suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Premier League 2 final against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium.
It was a disappointing night for Adam Lawrence and his young Manchester United players as they fell at the final hurdle in their attempts to win the Premier League 2 this season.
That means academy football is wrapped up until next season, after United’s under-18 side were defeated in the FA Youth Cup final against Man City.
Here are three things we learned from the 2026 Premier League 2 final.
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Brighton solid defensively
You could see why this young United side hasn’t conceded many goals this season, but Brighton were just as organised at the back.
Dan Armer, who was the only player to start who started the FA Youth Cup final defeat against Man City on Wednesday night, impressed with his range of passing and ability to tidy things up at the back.
Meanwhile, Brighton were rigid in their shape as both sides struggled to break one another down.
The Seagulls found a way to break United down, but the same couldn’t be said for Lawrence’s young side.
After a strong first half, United goalkeeper William Murdoch will be disappointed that he couldn’t do more to prevent the opening goal.
Diego Leon struggles against Brighton winger Tyler Silsby
It’s been almost a year since Diego Leon moved his career to Manchester. The Paraguayan left-back was up against a tricky winger in Silsby, who was lively for Brighton, but his overall game was very sloppy.
The Paraguay international needs to step it up a few levels next season if he is to earn a first-team debut at United.
Leon has a lot going for him physically, which could stand him in good stead for the senior level, but he must improve technically to make it at United.
Silsby was handed an easy goal before the hour mark when he was let tap the ball home at the back post.
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Two final defeats in one week
The week started with high hopes for United’s academy, with the prospect of winning two trophies.
That fell through on Thursday night when United lost the FA Youth Cup final.
Matters were made worse in the Premier League 2 final.
The academy players must dust themselves off because they’ve had a fantastic season, even if the performance this week paints a different story.
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