James Milner may no longer be a Liverpool player, but he’ll always be a club legend.
Unlike with some other midfield exits, Milner’s departure was long expected and planned for at Anfield and the 37-year-old joined Brighton upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Liverpool’s former ‘lactate test king’ has continued his prove age is just a number with an impressive start to life on the south coast.
Milner has featured in all of the Seagulls Premier League games so far in 2023/24, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side winning four out of five matches.
Their good form continued at the weekend with a stunning 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The victory marked United’s first defeat at home for a year, while Erik Ten Hag’s side’s defeat means they have lost three of their first five league fixtures – their worst start in over 30 years.
There were more records to come out of the match that will make United fans wince.
According to Opta, Milner – who made a 13-minute cameo at the weekend – now has the most wins against Man Utd in Premier League history with 11, the joint-most away wins (six) and is the first player in win away at Old Trafford with four different clubs — Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool and now Brighton.
11 – Of all players in Premier League history, James Milner has the most wins against Man Utd (11), the joint-most away wins against Man Utd (6), and is the first player to win against Man Utd at Old Trafford with four different sides (Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool, Brighton).… pic.twitter.com/XQuxXQZCAp
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 16, 2023
Across a professional career that began back in 2022, Milner had had 35 meetings against United in the Premier League over the years, during which he has contributed three goals and four assists.
The ever-green ex-Liverpool vice-captain looks set for more mentions in the history books as he closes in on the Premier League’s all-time appearances record.
Currently sitting third with 624 top-flight outings, Milner is behind only Ryan Giggs (632) and Gareth Barry (652).
Only time will tell how many appearances (and wins over United), Milner ultimately ends his career with.
