For the first time since 1989–90, Manchester United suffered a resounding 3-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. It was their third loss in the league’s first five games.
Despite a strong start, United fell down when Danny Welbeck scored a penalty area goal against his former team in the 20th minute. Marcus Rashford’s goal was disallowed because the ball had left the field of play, but United made a strong comeback and believed they had tied the score shortly before halftime.
Manchester united vs Brighton courtesy image Reuters
Brighton took advantage of the relief they felt and, despite Pascal Groß playing better and Joo Pedro scoring early in the second half, they managed to lower the mood at Old Trafford.
With 18 minutes left, substitute Hannibal Mejbri gave the home team hope, but Brighton held on comfortably to go up to third position with 12 points after five games, while United dropped to 12th with 6 points. After yet another eventful week in Manchester, Brazilian forward Anthony Martial is accused of assault, and there is still no resolution to the conflict with England winger Jadon Sancho’s coach, Erik Ten Hag. For the club to motivate its followers, on-field success was essential.
Hojbjerg appeared to be in good shape, and Rashford appeared to be on the road to win after attacking the visitors, but their defensive flaws cost them as Welbeck’s fourth goal against his old team placed them in danger once more.
After a trademark, Rashford saw the greatest opportunity of the first period. Groß’s driving effort hit the crossbar, the post, and the crossbar at Old Trafford, but his exquisite finishing allowed him to score four goals against United, making him the third-best away player after Mohamed Salah and Steven Gerrard. Old Trafford was buzzing when Hojbjerg was replaced by Anthony Martial, but it was Brighton who made the substitution matter with a record-breaking goal from record signing Pedro.
After Hannibal’s debut goal for the club, Brighton’s dominance was never in jeopardy since the supporters could have increased their lead to a victory. In the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester City, and Liverpool were the only other teams to defeat Manchester United four times in a row between 2000 and 2002 to won four straight contests with them.
