Manchester United could not avoid making more unpleasant history, despite a morale-boosting last-day victory ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

While Roberto De Zerbi’s career at Brighton ended in loss, Newcastle’s comfortable victory over Brentford means United finished ninth for the first time in Premier League history.

Not only that, but it is the first time in Premier League history that United has ended with a negative goal difference, which has not occurred at Old Trafford since the 1989-90 season. This season, they finished at -1.

However, in an unusual twist, if United win the FA Cup, they will qualify for the Europa League, knocking Newcastle out of the competition.

There have been almost 50 individual incidences of injury and illness, but that doesn’t excuse some of his team’s performances this season.

Even David Moyes’ United, who placed seventh in 2014, finished the season with a goal difference of 21.

Whatever happens at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City, it might be the end of manager Erik ten Hag’s career.

Ultimately, he has unable to stop the bleeding, as the Red Devils continue to welcome pressure from their opponents, conceding several shots on goal.

It’s been the story of their season, and it was on display last time out at the Amex until Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund scored second-half goals to make it two wins in a row.

Brighton appeared ready to give departing manager De Zerbi a fitting send-off, while also relishing the opportunity to inflict more agony on United’s under-fire Dutchman.

Sofyan Amrabat, an underwhelming loanee, was torn apart in what will almost certainly be his final Premier League outing for the Red Devils.

Carlos Baleba left the Moroccan in his wake before throwing Valentin Barco through for goal, but the young Argentine left-back blasted straight at Andre Onana after dancing inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Adam Webster also came close with three headers before Joao Pedro missed a golden opportunity, blazing wide after excellent footwork from out-of-contract Adam Lallana, who left the field in tears on his final Albion appearance. United might have gone ahead when Scott McTominay received Bruno Fernandes’ through pass before shooting over.

Brighton continued their dominance after the break, and they were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Casemiro cleared Pedro’s effort off the line, before Lisandro Martinez diverted Lallana’s shot narrowly over.

But United immediately turned the tide and began to pose a genuine threat on the counter-attack. It was a basic, but efficient, old-fashioned way that put them ahead. Casemiro, the makeshift center defender, sent a long ball to substitute Hojlund, who surprisingly did not start the match after scoring against Newcastle in the previous week, before it bobbled through to Dalot, who dispatched confidently.

Then Hojlund was right in the heart of the action again, rolling Billy Gilmour and Igor before driving his right foot past Jason Steele. Brighton’s historic season, in which they played European football for the first time, ended in a whimper, winning only one of their final ten Premier League games.

Despite Saturday’s shocking revelation, De Zerbi was nonetheless warmly embraced by the home fans, who saluted the Amex faithful for the final time before waving goodbye. He won’t be out of employment for long after leading Brighton to their greatest Premier League finish to date.