Brighton 3-2 Manchester United: 4 key takeaways

Manchester United endured their first defeat of the season on their visit to Brighton, suffering a humiliating 3-2 loss.

United, featuring the likes of Pogba, Lukaku and Martial in their starting XI, were second best from the start.

Lukaku was offered the first opportunity to score but dragged his shot wide. An error-filled defensive performance from Jose Mourinho's men gave Brighton the opener, as Glenn Murray got in front of Lindelof to flick it past de Gea.

They weren't settled two minutes later when Gross put the ball back into the area from his corner for Duffy to latch onto to make it 2-0.

Lukaku then gave United some hope of a comeback, flicking the ball off his head but another calamitous moment at the back from United gave Gross the chance to make it 3 from the spot - and he did.

Pogba's penalty in the final minute was the only attacking moment worth note in the second half.

Here are four takeaways from the game.

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#1 Uninspired, lifeless

Well, where do I start with Manchester United?

One of the key fixtures that defined United in the Premier League last season was their defeat away to Huddersfield. It created the gap between them and City, and the gap got wider as the season went on.

Dropping points to teams such as Huddersfield, Brighton and Newcastle - as United did last year - had to be cut out if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League this season, but the second gameweek in and it already looks a stretch to compete with City.

Even with Mourinho's half-time changes of Rashford and Lingard to replace Mata and Pereira, not once did it look like United were capable of getting one goal, let alone three.

As is a regular feature in recent times, there was no evident system to attack from, which meant Brighton were hardly ever in danger of dropping the three points.

#2 Brighton, a well-drilled unit

While United didn't look up for it, Chris Hughton had his Brighton players fighting for every ball, and in the end, there's no question as to whether they deserved the win.

Glenn Murray and Shane Duffy, two goalscorers, embodied this more than anyone else. Murray troubled Bailly and Lindelof, whereas Duffy snuffed out any danger the Red Devils forwards caused.

#3 Transfer business coming to haunt United

It's been a frustrating summer for Mourinho, who handed his board a list of five players to obtain in the central defensive position but Ed Woodward didn't purchase any.

Mourinho indicated a disagreement between himself and the board on the type of players United need, but Sunday's game showed that the Portuguese needed the backing of the Man United hierarchy in the window to impose his will onto the team.

Alderweireld would have been a great addition to the team, bringing experience that could've been vital to the development of Bailly and Lindelof but the consequences of the board's refusal are on display.

#4 Third-season syndrome in full flow?

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - Premier League

Mourinho has never lasted more than three seasons at a single club.

His last job at Chelsea ended in a similar vein as to how it is currently at Old Trafford, and there have been reports that Mourinho is unhappy with the backing he's received and stories of players unrest emerging.

No man has a CV for this job at the moment, but circumstances at the club right now recall a common theme in Mourinho's management career.