Brighton achieved a remarkable 3-1 victory against Manchester United, adding to the woes of Erik ten Hag’s team following a tumultuous two weeks marked by controversies.
Jadon Sancho was excluded from the first-team squad, and Antony was granted a leave of absence due to assault allegations that emerged after their disappointing last-minute defeat to Arsenal.
On Saturday afternoon, Brighton compounded Manchester United’s misery on the field, with goals from Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross, and Joao Pedro, offset only by Hannibal Mejbri’s consolation effort.
This defeat marked the end of Manchester United’s 31-game unbeaten streak at home in all competitions and occurred against the very team that last defeated them at Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag’s inaugural match in charge.
Welbeck, a former United player, opened the scoring, while Marcus Rashford’s strike struck the woodwork and Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal for the club was disallowed by VAR.
Gross, who netted both goals in last season’s win at Old Trafford, extended Brighton’s lead early in the second half, and substitute Pedro added another goal.
Despite Hannibal’s goal, there was no dramatic comeback akin to United’s recent home game against Nottingham Forest. Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Brighton, on the other hand, can look forward to a historic Europa League match against AEK Athens after securing only their second victory at Old Trafford in their history.
De Zerbi made six surprising changes, while Ten Hag made three and opted for a midfield diamond that initially troubled the visitors.
Rashford’s skill and determination led to a low shot saved by Jason Steele, and Hojlund headed over. The two nearly combined when the newcomer stretched for Rashford’s cross.
However, Brighton remained composed and took the lead in the 20th minute through a well-executed move. Welbeck surged toward the box after playing wide to Simon Adingra, whose low cross from the right was cleverly left by Adam Lallana for the 32-year-old to score.
The goal injected energy into Brighton fans, but United responded five minutes before halftime. Rashford’s stepovers allowed him to reach the byline and pull back for Hojlund, who turned and poked the ball into the net for what seemed like his first United goal.
However, VAR intervened, and referee Jarred Gillett was informed by VAR Chris Kavanagh that the ball had gone out of play before Rashford made the pass.
United tried to rally, with Rashford looking dangerous, but Brighton remained determined to secure a second goal.
Gross capitalized on a pass from Tariq Lamptey just inside the box, sending Lisandro Martinez tumbling with a shoulder feint before scoring in front of the away fans.
United struggled to recover from that 53rd-minute blow, and Ten Hag made a change, replacing Hojlund with Martial, a decision that was met with audible disapproval.
Rashford’s free-kick was saved as the hosts desperately sought a goal, but Brighton struck again in the 71st minute.
Lamptey sprinted down the left, cut the ball back to substitute Pedro, who opened his body to fire a right-footed shot past Onana.
United managed to pull one back immediately, courtesy of young Hannibal, who unleashed a shot from 25 yards that beat Steele.
Victor Lindelof headed over, but intelligent Brighton controlled the game, exploiting the gaps left by the desperate hosts.
Kaoru Mitoma, substitute Evan Ferguson, and debutant Ansu Fati saw their shots saved as the clock ran down, with Onana stopping the latter again in stoppage time.