Not the perfect start to the season as Brighton once again went past Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes got the first real chance of the fixture after just six minutes into the first half. Bruno struck the ball from the wrong side of the foot which lifted the ball above the top side of the goal post. It was Scott Mctominay who found our new no.8 in that open space.
A few minutes later our new summer signing Christian Eriksen topped off a flowing counter-attack. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Fernandes were all involved in that swift move but Eriksen struck the ball from a very difficult position making the Brighton keeper catch hold off the ball easily. Pascal Gross then gave the visitors the lead in the 30th min. The German midfielder just tapped the ball in which was beautifully orchestrated by Danny Welbeck’s square pass across the six-yard box.
Ten minutes later Pascal Gross once again scored making the scoreline 2-0. Old Trafford was completely left silenced when the ball went in. The Reds were left with much work to do heading into the second half. As the 2nd half unfolded, United made a bright start and Old Trafford was buzzing with encouragement. Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced shortly after.
In the final half hour, Rashford was denied a brilliant chance when Ronaldo put forward a clean-through ball from the right flank. The only thing that Rashford needed to do was to tap it in. Unfortunately, Sanchez made a gallant save to deny Rashford.
With just another 20mins to go the lead was halved, as a Bruno Fernandes corner was turned inside Brighton’s net by Alexis Mac Allister. There was a long VAR check to make sure the ball didn’t touch Dalot’s hand.
United kept on the poising threat to the Brighton defence who were desperate to clinch a point but all went in vain as the final whistle blew. Last-minute substitutions from the away side disrupted the flow of the game.
It’s a long season to go, but United have a history of losing out on some top spots due to the results that we have just witnessed today.
MATCH DETAILS
United: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Maguire ©, Shaw (Malacia, 90); McTominay (van de Beek, 77), Fred (Ronaldo, 53); Sancho (Garnacho, 90), Fernandes (Elanga, 90), Eriksen; Rashford.
Subs not used: Heaton, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Garner.
Goals: Mac Allister (og) 68.
Bookings: McTominay 25, Martinez 45+2, Maguire 53, Shaw 74.
Brighton: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk ©, Webster; March (Colwill, 90+1), Lallana (Mwepu, 74), Caicedo, Trossard (Lamptey, 74); Gross, Mac Allister; Welbeck (Undav, 90+6)
Subs not used: Steele, Maupay, Sarmiento, Mitoma, Van Hecke.
Goals: Gross 30, 39.
Bookings: Trossard 53
