Even after leaving Liverpool, James Milner continues to haunt Manchester United, with his latest victory adding to his stellar record.
James Milner might still be a Liverpool player this season if club officials had understood what would happen later in the summer.
With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson showing no signs of leaving, the decision was made to let his contract expire, paving the path for a free transfer to Brighton.
The 37-year-old has appeared in all five games for the Seagulls this season, with four victories for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Brighton won 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the visitors having more control despite being the away team. United were hammered throughout, with Milner coming off the bench to finish the game at left-back for the final 13 minutes.
It was the veteran’s 11th Premier League triumph over Man United, more than any other player in the competition’s history, according to Opta.
Milner is also the first player to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford while playing for four separate clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton.
And, with six league away wins over United, he is tied for the joint-most on the road since the Premier League began in 1992.
This is, of course, due in part to Milner’s duration in the Premier League, with his 35 matches with United trailing only Chelsea (36) in his 22 seasons.
Only Ryan Giggs has played as many consecutive Premier League seasons as Milner, who is set to surpass the ex-United midfielder in all-time appearances this season.
When Milner’s current total of 624 surpasses Giggs’ total of 632, he will be second only to Gareth Barry (652).
Regardless, his record is outstanding, emphasizing his contribution to the success of those four clubs in their encounters with United.
Only five other Premier League sides have been more effective in front of goal than Milner’s three goals and four assists against United.
- Sunderland (six goals, four assists)
- Everton (three goals, seven assists)
- Stoke (one goal, eight assists)
- Villa (four goals, four assists)
- Leicester (three goals, five assists)
These are the only other teams with fewer goals and more assists.
