Brighton confirmed the surprising news ahead of the match, revealing that the club and the Italian coach had mutually agreed to part company.

De Zerbi enjoyed great success in his first season with Brighton, guiding the club to Europe for the first time in its history after he took over from Graham Potter, who had left to join Chelsea.

Brighton had a strong start to 2023-2024, but a series of injuries to key players left it depleted and whic it made it through its UFA Europa League group, which also included heavyweights Ajax and Marseille, it was ultimately knocked out by Roma.

Brighton's form in the Premier League has also dropped off, managing just four wins since the turn of the year, and ahead of the final-day meeting with United, the highest it can finish is 10th.

In fact, across its first 19 Premier League matches this season, Brighton was the fifth highest-scoring team in the Premier League (38 goals) and had a conversion rate of 13.3 per cent.

However, in its past 18 games since the turn of the year, only Everton (15) has scored fewer goals than the Seagulls (17), with a conversion rate of 6.6 per cent the worst of any side in that time.

De Zerbi was linked with taking over at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp's departure, but the Reds have instead turned to Feyenoord's Arne Slot.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: "Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans.

"We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.

"I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send-off. In the meantime, I'd like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future."

De Zerbi said: "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons.

"We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

"I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."