Amad Diallo hat-trick hero for Manchester United, Brighton end winless slump

Thursday ended the final midweek fixture list for the festive season in the Premier League.

Amad inspires ‘Fergie Time’ comeback for Manchester United

Amad Diallo delivered a late masterclass, scoring a stunning hat-trick to lead Manchester United to an improbable 3-1 comeback victory against Southampton at Old Trafford. Trailing for much of the match, Diallo’s brilliance turned the tide, sparing United from a historic fourth consecutive home league defeat.

United, sluggish and error-prone for most of the game, struggled to contain Southampton’s energy. Manuel Ugarte’s own goal from a corner had given the visitors hope, but Diallo’s heroics stole the show. His persistence saw him equalize in the 81st minute before adding two more in stoppage time, showcasing flair and finishing ability that proved decisive.

Head coach Ruben Amorim praised Diallo’s effort but emphasized the work ahead for his team. “We improved in the second half,” he said. “They lost some strength doing man-to-man, and we took control. We deserved the win, but we need consistency.”

With his trio of goals, Amad Diallo became the second-youngest Manchester United player to score a Premier League hattrick, after Wayne Rooney.

Southampton boss Ivan Juric lamented his side’s missed opportunities and called for a tougher mentality. “There is a moment you have to be Italian—make fouls, be smarter,” he said. “We’re too innocent.” With this loss, Southampton’s survival battle appears even steeper as they sit ten points adrift of safety.

Brighton end winless streak against Ipswich

In another crucial Premier League fixture, Brighton claimed their first win since November, beating Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road. Goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter sealed the victory, lifting Brighton to ninth place in the table.

With his goal, Mitoma also became the joint-top scoring Japanese player in Premier League history.

Ipswich tested Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen early on but failed to capitalize, allowing Brighton’s Mitoma to strike unmarked for the opener. Rutter’s late goal cemented the result. Despite the lack of recent wins, Brighton’s tactical discipline out of possession and clinical finishing were evident.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler expressed hope the win would restore confidence: “Every victory in the Premier League means a lot. We controlled the game and deserved this win.” For Ipswich, the defeat marked a return to the relegation zone, underlining the uphill battle they face to secure their Premier League status.