- Brighton secured Europa Conference League qualification despite defeat
- Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League assist record at the Amex
- Liverpool’s draw with Brentford confirmed Brighton’s European place
Brighton have qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League despite their 3-0 loss to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season.
Bruno Fernandes stole the show as he broke the Premier League assist record and put the nail in the coffin to score United’s third goal. It was a strike that condemned Brighton to relying on results elsewhere to secure European football for just the second time in their history.
Fernandes inspires ruthless United performance
After going in 2-0 ahead at half-time, Fernandes put the game to bed minutes after the restart with a thumping finish past Bert Verbruggen.
The ball was laid off by Patrick Dorgu, who timed his run through on goal really well despite being initially deemed offside. After review, it was clear Dorgu was onside and the goal stood.
The Red Devil’s full-back first dampened the Seagulls spirits with a bullet header from Fernandes’ corner in the first half to break the deadlock. The Portuguese midfielder made history with his assist, it was his 21st of the season and set the all-time record in the Premier League.
Dorgu’s header struck the crossbar on its way in and gave the visitors the advantage. The goal seemed to awaken United, who enjoyed a flurry of chances after they broke the deadlock.
READ MORE: Ten Brighton stars who could leave after Manchester United clash – Read Brighton
Brighton qualify for Europe
Michael Carrick’s side doubled their lead just before half-time through Bryan Mbeumo. It was a well-worked move by United that ended with Amad Diallo squaring the ball across the face of goal and into the feet of Mbeumo.
The Cameroonian tapped home easily to register his ninth goal contribution against Brighton throughout his career.
It was a really poor performance from the Seagulls, but they discovered that they had still qualified for Europe after Liverpool held Brentford to a 1-1 draw. The Albion finish the 2025-26 season in eighth position on 53 points.
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