Pedro’s late header sinks United as Brighton secures second win

Joao Pedro headed in a 95th-minute winner on Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s home debut to inflict a 2-1 defeat on Manchester United after Joshua Zirkzee had inadvertently stopped the visitors from taking the lead during the second half.

Zirkzee, the 23-year-old summer signing, won United the points against Fulham last week with a goal on debut but denied team-mate Alejandro Garnacho from slotting home in the 70th minute at the Amex Stadium by getting the final touch on the goalline in an offside position.

United had edged the first half but had to come from behind when their former striker Danny Welbeck prodded Brighton ahead in the 32nd minute from inside the six-yard box.

Marcus Rashford appeared to have grabbed an instant response but saw his effort ruled out for offside, and although Zirkzee was brought on at half-time for Mason Mount, it initially did little to help United’s search for an equaliser.

Instead, Brighton had a James Milner prod cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot before Welbeck headed against the crossbar. The woodwork was still shaking when Amad Diallo raced up the other end and fired home via a deflection off the sliding Jan Paul van Hecke just 100 seconds later.

United pushed for a winner and thought they’d get it when Garnacho netted, but Zirkzee, who had slid in to meet Bruno Fernandes’ low cross, made contact with his knee before the ball crossed the line.

And, typically, Erik ten Hag’s side were made to pay in injury time when Simon Adingra tossed a cross into the box for the unmarked Pedro to head in as Brighton players queued up at the back post.

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