Former Premier League forward Dion Dublin has expressed his belief that Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana will be feeling a great sense of embarrassment after his costly blunder in the team’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. Onana’s mistake allowed Brighton to score their third goal, effectively ending any chances of a comeback for United.
Commenting during the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, Dublin did not hold back in his criticism, labeling the error as “terrible” and pointing out that Onana should have dealt with the situation with ease, as there was no immediate danger. He remarked that the goalkeeper would likely avoid watching the replay of the incident, which saw him fail to collect a routine cross, leading to an easy finish for Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter.
The blunder occurred in the 76th minute with Brighton already leading 2-1. Yasin Ayari delivered a straightforward cross into the box, which Onana fumbled, handing Rutter an opportunity to slot the ball into the net from close range. This mistake all but sealed Manchester United’s defeat, adding to the growing concerns over Onana’s performances.
Since joining the club, Onana has faced scrutiny over his inconsistent displays, with fans and pundits questioning his reliability as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Turkish backup Altay Bayindir, who showcased his shot-stopping abilities during an FA Cup penalty shootout win against Arsenal, is being considered as a potential replacement. Manager Ruben Amorim may soon be forced to make a crucial decision regarding the goalkeeper position in upcoming fixtures.
This loss marks the second time Manchester United has fallen to Brighton this season, having suffered a similar fate earlier in the campaign. The Red Devils’ struggles continue, with six defeats in their last nine matches across all competitions, further highlighting the team’s fragile form and deepening frustrations among supporters.
Brighton, on the other hand, demonstrated their growing strength under manager Fabian Hürzeler. The Seagulls took an early lead in the 5th minute through Yankuba Minteh, capitalizing on a well-timed pass from Kaoru Mitoma. United managed to level the score in the 23rd minute when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty after a defensive error from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen led to a foul on Joshua Zirkzee. However, Brighton regained the advantage in the second half, with Mitoma finding the back of the net once again before Onana’s mistake allowed Rutter to put the result beyond doubt.
Brighton’s victory at Old Trafford adds to their growing reputation as a formidable side in the Premier League, having now won eight of their 16 meetings against Manchester United. Meanwhile, the pressure continues to mount on Amorim, who must urgently address his team’s defensive lapses and lack of consistency if they hope to salvage their season.
With upcoming fixtures posing further challenges, the decision on whether to persist with Onana or turn to Bayindir could prove crucial in shaping the club’s immediate future.
