Manchester United vs Brighton: Seagulls glide through Red Devils

Erik ten Hag’s Premier League debut was far from a dream as Pascal Gross’ first-half brace led Brighton and Hove Albion past the Dutchman’s Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United’s back line and midfield struggled mightily in a brutal first half and Cristiano Ronaldo was brought off the bench at halftime to spur a comeback that only saw an Alexis Mac Allister own goal hit the scoreboard as the Portuguese wantaway only registered 12 touches.

WATCH MANCHESTER UNITED vs BRIGHTON FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM

Man United has 63 percent of the ball but just two more attempts than Brighton, out-shooting the Seagulls 17-15. The Red Devils couldn’t do anything with six corner kicks, but credit Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez for five saves in the clean sheet effort.

Ten Hag’s men ran out of gas late and there were certainly some boos raining down from Old Trafford following a 2-1 setback.

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While Manchester United still has plenty of learning to do under Ten Hag, Sunday’s visitors have a keen understanding of what Graham Potter expects from them.

Brighton is well-spaced and was lethal on the counter, even if United did very little to limit the danger provided by the Seagulls.

It’s not all doom and gloom for United, who will know it needs to find ways to get the ball to its attackers as Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes were lively going forward.

So, too, was Marcus Rashford, but the Englishman is still working to find his finishing touch and might’ve had a brace on another day.

HUGE save by Robert Sanchez!

He denies Rashford from point-blank range. Brighton lead Manchester United 2-0.