Manchester United’s struggles at the start of the season were laid bare once again as Brighton produced a confident and controlled performance at Old Trafford. In a game that raised as many questions for the hosts as it provided answers for the visitors, key moments and broader themes emerged that went beyond the final score line.

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Reguilon (Wan-Bissaka 85′), Martinez (Garnacho 85′), Lindelof, Dalot, Eriksen, Casemiro (Mejbri 64′), McTominay (Pellistri 85′), Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund (Martial 64′)

Subs: Bayindir, Maguire, Evans, Gore

Brighton: Steele, Lamptey (Milner 77′), Dunk, van Hecke, Veltman, Dahoud (Gilmour 77′), Gross, Mitoma, Lallana (Fati 64′), Adingra (Ferguson 85′), Welbeck (Pedro 64′)

Subs: Verbruggen, Webster, Igor, Baleba

Manchester United 1-3 Brighton

Manchester United’s difficult early-season mood deepened on Saturday afternoon as Brighton left Old Trafford with a deserved 3–1 victory, continuing their impressive recent record against Erik ten Hag’s side. Brighton were calm and assured from the outset, soaking up United’s early pressure before clinically exploiting the space on the break. Danny Welbeck, returning to his old club, opened the scoring with a composed finish that punctured the home crowd’s optimism and underlined the visitors’ confidence in possession.

United huffed and puffed without ever fully clicking, while Brighton looked sharper and more coherent in midfield. Pascal Groß doubled the lead with a well-worked move, arriving unmarked to finish from close range after another slick transition. Roberto De Zerbi’s side controlled the tempo with maturity, forcing United into rushed decisions and limiting clear chances. Matters worsened for the hosts when a VAR review awarded Brighton a penalty for handball, which João Pedro calmly dispatched to make it 3–0 and effectively settle the contest.

There was at least a moment of brightness for Old Trafford when substitute Hannibal Mejbri rifled home a fine long-range effort late on, drawing a warm response from the crowd. However, it proved little more than a consolation on an afternoon where Brighton once again looked a level above. For United, questions lingered about cohesion and confidence, while Brighton departed Manchester with another statement win, reinforcing their growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most well-drilled and fearless sides.

Talking Points

One of the main talking points was Brighton’s tactical control and growing authority against elite opposition. Roberto De Zerbi’s side were unfazed by the Old Trafford atmosphere, setting up to absorb pressure before slicing through Manchester United with intelligent movement and crisp passing. The visitors repeatedly found space down the flanks and between United’s midfield lines, highlighting just how well-drilled and confident this Brighton team has become. Their third win in four league visits to Old Trafford felt no fluke, but rather the continuation of a clear pattern.

Manchester United’s lack of cohesion and cutting edge was another major theme. Despite spells of possession, Erik ten Hag’s side struggled to create meaningful chances, often looking disconnected in the final third. Injuries played their part, but there were familiar issues in midfield balance and defensive organisation, particularly during transitions. Brighton’s second goal, with Pascal Groß left unmarked in the box, summed up a worrying softness that continues to frustrate supporters early in the season.

The afternoon also reignited debate around United’s mentality and reliance on moments rather than structure. Hannibal Mejbri’s late strike provided brief encouragement, showcasing hunger and energy that had been missing for long periods, but it came too late to alter the outcome. In contrast, Brighton’s composure from the penalty spot and their calm game management underlined the gap between the sides on the day. While Brighton left with renewed confidence, United were left searching for answers as scrutiny around performances intensified.