Manchester United’s dismal start to the new Premier League season continued on Saturday as they lost 3-1 to Brighton for the fourth top-flight game in a row.
For the first time in 33 years, United have lost three of their first five league games of a season, with the Old Trafford defeat ending a run of 20 games unbeaten at home in the Premier League.
The irony was in the performance – far better from United, with Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon impressing on their first starts and Marcus Rashford looking lively on the left wing.
But they were undone by some questionable defending for all three of Brighton’s goals, with the visitors not allowing any mistake to go unpunished.
Former United striker, Danny Welbeck, was left unmarked as he swept home the 20th-minute opener.
After the break, neither Lisandro Martinez nor Victor Lindelof reacted quickly enough to intercept Tariq Lamptey’s passive pass, allowing Pascal Gross to double the visitors’ lead in the 53rd minute.
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In a similar fashion, Joao Pedro was allowed plenty of space at the top of the area to curl home a delightful third in the 71st minute, although Hannibal Mejbri immediately replied two minutes later for the hosts.
However, it did not spark the comeback Old Trafford craved.
Only against fierce rivals Manchester City and Liverpool have United lost four successive Premier League games, with Brighton quickly becoming their bogey team.
The result sees Erik ten Hag’s side drop into 12th place with six points.
Meanwhile, Brighton jump up to fourth place after a fourth win in their opening five league games this season, boosting them further ahead of their first Europa League game on Thursday.
United’s next game is a trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday as they begin their Champions League campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s side then return to Premier League action at Burnley on Saturday.
Brighton’s next outing is at home to AEK Athens on Thursday as they begin their Europa League campaign.
The Seagulls then return to Premier League action at home to Bournemouth on September 24.
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