Brighton – Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo’s Vital Role (0-2)

In a game where Brighton were simply unlucky not to score, the role of Kobbie Mainoo and splitting center-backs wide were the two main talking points for Manchester United. In the end, United were able to take advantage of the few chances they created on the counter to carve out a much-needed win.

Tactical analysis and match report by Kyle Boas.

An injury-ridden season finally came to an end as Brighton hosted Manchester United. The Amex waved goodbye to their innovative Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi as he is set to depart the club. Meanwhile, questions continue to swirl around Erik Ten Hag's future before and after the FA Cup Final.

Both managers expressed admiration for each other before the match, recognizing the terrible position they were put in during the season. Ten Hag said they "can be happy" about their season despite all of their setbacks as he exclaimed, "we have it in our own hands," when asked if he was embarrassed that they had the chance to finish in a UEFA Conference League spot.

This is the first season in the Premier League era that Manchester United would finish with a negative goal difference - minus one - and the lowest finishing position in the league table as well. They conceded a club record fifty-eight goals, only managing to score fifty-seven goals, tied for their fourth fewest in the Premier League era in a season.

Manchester United lined up with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot at the back. Sofyan Amrabat in holding midfield. Kobbie Mainoo played in advance of Sofyan Amrabat, with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo on either wing, and a front two that consisted . . .