“It’s disappointing and I’m quite frustrated, especially by the second-half performance,” said Dario Vidosic after his team, Brighton & Hove Albion, drew 1-1 against Manchester United on May 2, 2026. The match took place at Leigh Sports Village and saw Lea Schuller score a crucial stoppage-time equaliser for Manchester United, which could influence their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Schuller’s goal marked her first in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for Manchester United. Earlier in the match, Jelena Cankovic had given Brighton the lead with their first WSL goal at this venue. This draw further complicates Manchester United’s path to the Champions League, as they are now one point behind Arsenal, who sit third but have three games in hand.
That context matters because Manchester United was aiming to secure a victory in their final home game of the season to climb back into the top three. However, they have struggled recently, managing just one win in their last five league matches. Coach Marc Skinner expressed optimism about Schuller’s potential, stating, “If we provide the right service, Schuller will score goals.” Yet, despite his faith in her abilities, the team’s inconsistency remains a significant hurdle.
Brighton has been on an impressive run lately, having defeated league leaders Manchester City and reigning Champions League holders Arsenal in recent weeks. Under Vidosic’s guidance, they have shown resilience and determination. But he acknowledged that his team’s performance needs improvement: “We can’t be at that level only for 45 minutes and expect to win.” This sentiment underscores the challenges faced by both teams as they navigate the demanding WSL landscape.
Key statistics from the match:
- The final score was 1-1.
- Manchester United has only one win in their last five league matches.
- Brighton will face Arsenal next in the WSL.
Leah Galton made her final appearance for Manchester United during this match — a poignant moment for the club as she departs after contributing significantly to their campaign. Looking ahead, Brighton prepares for a challenging WSL game against Arsenal followed by an FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester United must regroup quickly if they hope to improve their standings and secure a Champions League spot.