The international break failed to halt Brighton’s superb start to the season – which has been full of goals – as they followed their 3-1 over Newcastle with another three goals.
Danny Welbeck opened the scoring with yet another goal against his former club. Another player who loves playing against United, Pascal Gross, doubled the hosts’ lead with a classy finish after the break.
This was a killer blow for United, who thought they had levelled the game before half-time when Rasmus Hojlund – making his first start for the club – finished smartly into the corner. But VAR intervened and Marcus Rashford was adjudged to have run the ball out play in the build-up.
The hosts fought for a way back into the game but left gaps for the Seagulls to exploit. Substitute Joao Pedro sent home fans heading for the exit door with a fine finish from Tariq Lamptey’s cross.
But Albion’s wait for a clean sheet goes on as another substitute Hannibal Mejbri brilliantly found the net from distance when the defenders seemed to switch off and give the youngster too much space.
It didn’t matter, though, as Brighton looked the more likely team to add to their advantage and sealed a fine 3-1 victory.
13. Substitutes
G. Rutter – 8: Simple finish for 3-1. Fourth goal in three games for the former Leeds United star. Such a likable character and it was brilliant to see him celebrate with the fans post-match | S.March – 7: How good is it to have Solly back? Involved in build up to the third goal. Won important fouls for his team to slow the game down. Involved in unnecessary tussle with Leny Yoro late on. | Tariq Lamptey – N/A: Late sub and his fresh legs helped to see out the win. | Diego Gomez – N/A: First appearance for the club as he came on deep into injury-time. | Julio Enciso – N/A: Another very late sub. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images