I was at the Manchester United game as Ruben Amorim’s side lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion.
It was a miserable affair at Old Trafford, which is becoming the new norm at the Theatre of Dreams. Aside from a Bruno Fernandes penalty – there was nothing to celebrate on the day.
Brighton, like many teams this season, simply overpowered Manchester United. There was a lot to learn from the Red Devils’ demise against the Seagulls.
United had some awful performances on the day – but it was one man roaming the pitch that had Manchester United supporters furious throughout.
Manchester United supporters fume at referee vs Brighton
As I stood in the North stand, nearly freezing to death as I watched the pitiful performance unfold in front of me, it was safe to say most of the Old Trafford annoyance was directed towards the match official, Peter Bankes.
From the get-go, everything was seemingly heading Brighton’s way. The first challenge in particular which caused an almighty roar to erupt from all four quarters of the ground was on Diogo Dalot.
As Dalot ran towards the Seagulls’ goal in the 13th minute, he was chopped down by Yankuba Minteh from behind. No free-kick was given, which led to 75,000 gobsmacked home fans.
Then, the penalty decision in the 20th. Joshua Zirkzee was dragged down for what looked like a clearcut penalty – yet Bankes looked entirely unsure. After about five seconds passed, he eventually succumbed.
Despite coming to the correct decision – fans were still frustrated with his lack of hold on the Premier League fixture.
Then we have the free-kick leading to Joao Pedro’s disallowed goal, which fans deemed dubious, and the decision itself to award a goal – which was later confirmed incorrect via VAR. And that was just the first half.
The second half was nowhere near as bad, but there were still some contentious decisions.
Poor officiating has affected United a lot lately
Referees are never going to get it right 100% of the time, that’s a fact in football – but United have been on the receiving end of some poor officiating of late.
Andy Madley was criticised during Arsenal against Manchester United, whilst the Red Devils also had issues against Liverpool when a controversial Matthijs de Ligt penalty was awarded for handball.
However, with this being said, it really doesn’t matter that much. Manchester United only have themselves to blame.
Bad referee displays shouldn’t be an excuse for Ruben Amorim
The be-all and end-all is that referees aren’t the problem, it’s all on the Manchester United first-team squad.
Amorim has inherited a side that simply isn’t good enough. Aside from a few players, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob need to rebuild the side entirely.
Brighton were better than Manchester United today. As were Bournemouth, as were Newcastle United, as were were Wolves.
The blame lies solely on the players. Drastic change is needed, and with the window slowly passing United by, the rest of the season looks ever bleaker the more the Red Devils play.
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