Manchester United suffered an early setback against Premier League leaders Brighton in the lunchtime kick-off as former striker Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock at the Amex Stadium.
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to build on an encouraging victory over Fulham in their opening match of the season, but Brighton have had an exceptional start to the new season.
And Fabian Hurzeler has instilled confidence immediately, with their promising early form carrying over here after travelling to Merseyside to inflict a heavy defeat on Everton at Goodison Park.
A lovely move in the first half, involving Kaoru Mitoma, saw Danny Welbeck escape Harry Maguire to poke home into the empty net from close range.
United, playing without a conventional No.9, almost hit back immediately with Marcus Rashford’s spectacular rebound after Jason Steele’s fine stop, but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. Follow all the action from today’s Premier League encounter below:
Brighton vs Manchester United
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Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
48 mins: It’s been a slow start to the second half for Man Utd who hope to keep possession and build out from the back. The rain is picking up too making the conditions ever trickier.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:38
Second half! Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
Erik ten Hag makes one change at the break with Joshua Zirkzee brought on to replace Mason Mount. It’s slightly harsh on Mount, unless he’s injured, as the United No. 7 had a decent first half.
Brighton get the ball rolling again with Joao Pedro sprinting down the left side. He sends it across to James Milner who takes a touch then curls a shot over the crossbar!
Quick restart to this game.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:34
HT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
Manchester United edged possession and chances created in the first half. Brighton’s big chance (and only one on target) came to Danny Welbeck who finished it perfectly.
Last week, it was United’s substitutes who changed the momentum of the game. Erik ten Hag will need something similar this afternoon.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:30
Erik ten Hag gives Jadon Sancho transfer update as Manchester United exit looms
Sancho has been out of favour at Old Trafford, returning from a loan move to Borussia Dortmund last season. The 24-year-old winger has been linked to Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, but the player travelled with the squad to face the Seagulls on Saturday amid a shortage of options.
Ten Hag did not include Sancho on the bench but did urge the player to compete for his place.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:27
HT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
Danny Welbeck’s opener was the 100th goal of his club career in all competitions, while he’s only scored more against West Ham (7) than he has against former side Manchester United (6).
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:23
Half-time! Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
45+1 mins: Brighton have had one chance and they’ve taken it. The hosts lead at the half-time break after Manchester United looked the more promising team.
Erik ten Hag has a big team talk coming up but things are looking pretty for the Premier League leaders as it stands.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:17
Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
41 mins: Van Hecke is good!
Rashford slots a nice ball into the box for Fernandes but the defender gets to it first. He’s tussled and tugged by the United captain but stands strong and throws Fernandes off before clearing his lines.
Van Hecke has been the standout for Brighton in defence so far. That’s just another moment of composure from him.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:12
Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
38 mins: Mason Mount curls a low pass into the box aiming for Marcus Rashford but Jan Paul van Hecke sticks out a leg and pokes it behind for a corner.
The set piece is nodded away by Billy Gilmour and Brighton’s lead remains in tact for now.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:08
DISALLOWED! Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
35 mins: Almost the perfect response from Man Utd. A counter attack sees them sweep forward on the right and whip the ball over to Marcus Rashford.
Jason Steele makes a good save initially but the ball comes back to the forward who manages to flick it over the goalkeeper.
The celebrations begin but the offside flag is raised and VAR confirms that Rashford had strayed too far ahead of the defenders.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:05
GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Man Utd (Welbeck, 32’)
Brighton have the opening goal. A simple cross into the box by Joao Pedro is let go by Harry Maguire and gets picked up by Kaoru Mitoma.
Mitoma laces the ball back into the six-yard box and Welbeck is there to tip the ball past Andre Onana and send the hosts into the lead!
Mike Jones24 August 2024 13:03