Manchester United's struggles persist as Brighton clinch victory at Old Trafford

Manchester United suffer 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving them in 12th position in the Premier League.

In a disappointing turn of events, Manchester United suffered their third defeat of the 2023-24 Premier League season at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion. The match took place on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford.

The game started with Danny Welbeck, a former Manchester United player, making a breakthrough for Brighton in the 20th minute. Pascal Gross then doubled the Seagulls' advantage early in the second half. Brighton's Joao Pedro, who came off the bench, scored a third goal for his team in the 71st minute. Although Hannibal Mejbri quickly answered back for Man United, the team failed to mount a late comeback.

This loss adds to Manchester United's struggles in the Premier League this season, as they have only managed to secure six points from five matches. As a result, they currently sit in 12th position in the league table. On the other hand, Brighton is performing well, currently sitting in fourth place with 12 points from five matches.

Manchester United fielded Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon in their starting lineup at Old Trafford. Scott McTominay, who has been in impressive form for Scotland, earned a start as well. Antony was absent due to a personal issue, and Jadon Sancho was not with the team due to a disciplinary problem. Lisandro Martinez overcame a foot injury to start in defense, with Diogo Dalot moving to right-back to accommodate Reguilon's inclusion.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi made six changes to the team that won against Newcastle United in their previous match. One notable absence was Evan Ferguson, a highly sought-after teenager who has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United.

The match saw Manchester United create the first chances, with Marcus Rashford attempting to find the near post in the sixth minute, only to be denied by Jason Steele's save. Hojlund had two opportunities to score in the ninth minute, but he failed to make contact with the ball on both occasions. Tariq Lamptey had a chance for Brighton, but his shot went wide.

Brighton broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Simon Adingra delivered a low cross to Welbeck, who scored from close range. Welbeck came close to adding another goal in the 33rd minute, but his curling effort went over the goal. Rashford had a deflected shot hit the crossbar before halftime.

Hojlund thought he had equalized for Manchester United late in the first half, but his goal was disallowed as the ball had gone out of play before Rashford's delivery. Rashford and Gross had chances early in the second half, but failed to convert. Brighton extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Gross evaded Martinez and found the bottom corner of the net.

Despite Hannibal scoring his first goal for Manchester United in the 73rd minute, the team was unable to mount a comeback. Lindelof and Onana made crucial saves to prevent further goals, but Brighton finished the game stronger.

Manchester United will now turn their attention to the Champions League, as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in their opening group-stage fixture. They will then face Burnley in their next Premier League match. Brighton, on the other hand, will play AEK Athens in the Europa League before their league match against Bournemouth.

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