By Jennifer Amarachi
Brighton striker, Joao Pedro scored a 95th-minute goal against Manchester United on Saturday to secure 2-1 win for the club.
Zirkzee, United’s 23-year-old summer addition, won the game against Fulham last week with a goal on his debut, but he prevented teammate Alejandro Garnacho from scoring in the 70th minute at the Amex Stadium by getting the final touch on the goalline while offside.
United led in the first half, but had to come from behind when former striker Danny Welbeck poked Brighton ahead in the 32nd minute from inside the six-yard box.
Marcus Rashford appeared to have responded immediately, but his effort was ruled out for offside, and although Zirkzee was introduced at half-time for Mason Mount, it did little to help United’s pursuit for an equaliser.
Instead, Brighton’s James Milner shot was pushed off the line by Diogo Dalot, before Welbeck headed against the crossbar. Only 100 seconds later, Amad Diallo sprinted up the other end and shot home by a deflection off the sliding Jan Paul van Hecke, leaving the woodwork quivering.
United pressed for the win and believed they had it when Garnacho scored, but Zirkzee, who had slid in to meet Bruno Fernandes’ low cross, made touch with his knee before the ball crossed the line.
As usual, Erik ten Hag’s team was punished in injury time as Simon Adingra floated a cross into the box for the unmarked Pedro to head in as Brighton players gathered at the back post.
