Cristiano Ronaldo was named on the bench for Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge of Manchester United.
Ronaldo, whose future remains up in the air after he asked to leave the club earlier in the summer, had only played 45 minutes during pre-season and was pictured leaving Old Trafford before last weekend’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano had finished.
He was name among the substitutes for the Dutchman’s bow, where Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez made their debuts.
New Brighton loan signing Levi Colwill was named on the bench following Friday’s move from Chelsea, while former United striker Danny Welbeck started.
Brighton enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and, after Bruno Fernandes missed a good chance to put the hosts in front, they took the lead on the half-hour.
Scott McTominay lost possession inside the visitors’ half and Leandro Trossard played a through-ball to Welbeck, whose cut-back across the six-yard area was turned home by Pascal Gross at the far post.
United were torn apart again in the 39th minute when the ball was transferred with ease from a move down near Brighton’s corner flag.
Just four passes was all it took to move the ball into United’s penalty area from where Trossard crossed from the right for Gross to score at the far post.
With no significant improvement early in the second half, Ronaldo was finally introduced in the 52nd minute to a standing ovation from some sections of Old Trafford.
It also resulted in a change of roles with Eriksen dropping into a holding midfield role for the departed Fred.
United got themselves back into the game in the 68th minute from a scrappy goal at a corner.
Diogo Dalot’s mis-hit header rebounded off his shoulder goalwards and Alexis Mac Allister could only help it into the net despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Logan MacLeod was at Old Trafford for Sussex World and here’s his player ratings for Brighton and Hove Albion’s players.
9. Pascal Gross - 8
Bagged a brace, equaling his goal tally from last season. In the right place at the right time for both goals, tapping in twice from close range. Proved again that he really is worth his weight gold, as widely reported last season. 8/10 Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
10. Alexis Mac Allister - 7
Showed some nice touches and dribbles in the centre of the park, playing in the middle of a midfield four. Went close with a long range effort. Unfortunate to score an own-goal from a United corner. Photo: Catherine Ivill
11. Danny Welbeck - 8
Looked really sharp and bang up for it against his former side. Proper number nine display: impressive hold up play, clever runs into the channels, intense pressing and was always an option. Plucked balls out of the air with ease and grace. Assisted Gross' first goal. 8/10 Photo: Michael Regan
12. Tariq Lamptey - 6
Provided a pacey attacking outlet down the right for the final 20 minutes. Forced to defend for much of that time however. 6/10 Photo: OLI SCARFF