21:55
Man United 0-1 Brighton
HALF TIME: Man United 0-1 Brighton
And… just like that, the half time whistle has gone. It is Brighton who head into the break with the advantage. It was Danny Welbeck’s shot who seperated the two teams.
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Manchester United are calling for a penalty! Hojlund is taken down in the penalty box and they believe a spot kick should be given. But, it’s been checked and no penalty awarded.
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Rashford is on fire this afternoon! He’s unplayable when he is in one of these moods. He comes close to scoring again. His shot from inside the box goes just wide of the post.
45′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Three minutes of stoppage time has been added on. No surprise considering the lengthy VAR check on United’s disallowed goal.
45′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Fernandes plays the ball towards the back post but his delivery isn’t great. Brighton regain possession and the Red Devils set a high press. Not long to go in the first half!
21:45
Man United 0-1 Brighton
GOAL IS DISALLOWED! VAR deemed the ball out of play when Marcus Rashford made the pass. Hojlund will be disappointed but… one thing is clear, Rashford is looking dangerous.
41′
Man United 1-1 Brighton
The goal is being checked! They believe the ball went out of play when Marcus Rashford made the cross. And… looking at the pictures, I can’t see the goal standing.
40′
Man United 1-1 Brighton
MANCHESTER UNITED FIND THE BACK OF THE NET! Hojlund found the back of the net to equalise for the Red Devils and open his United account on his full debut.
36′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Casemiro is in trouble once again. He latched onto a loose ball before clipping Lallana after the Brightonman took the ball back off him.
The ref took a while to think about that one, but it was a clear foul. Not good for United or Casemiro. He really looks off the pace today.
21:39
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Panic over for the United fans. Rashford is back on his feet and able to continue. That’s good news for the Red Devils as he’s looking confident down that left side.
33′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
United respond well and head down the other end to create a chance of their own. Rashford was at the heart of the attack once again but this time hit the woodwork.
His shot was deflected and hit the post. However, Rashford appeared to slip afterwards and seems to be in pain – he’s down holding onto his knee.
21:36,33′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Another chance for Brighton and it’s Welbeck once again! He’s just unleashed a rocket from about 30 yards out but couldn’t keep it on target.
21:35,32′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
You can’t fault Scott McTominay’s work rate but his 30 yard leads aren’t working. He needs a hand from his team-mates in the middle of the pitch. United just look disconnected at the moment…
21:34,31′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Casemiro is dispossed in the middle of the pitch. He picked up the ball well and turned but they dwelled too long before being tackled. He looked particularly leggy tracking back too. Not good.
30′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Manchester United have really dropped off in pace. Their midfield line is incredibly static. Onana is urging his team-mates to up the tempo as he looks for options.
28′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Brighton are playing with real confidence now. They are playing it around the back comfortably and choosing their moments to go forwards. There is so much rotation within the Brighton squad and United’s press is being forced to chase them from side to side.
25′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Chance for Manchester United! Rashford was convinced he was going to score. He recieved the ball just a few yards out after a lovely cut inside from Dalot.
However, Brighton did well to scramble and get a block in. Rashford couldn’t believe his eyes!
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Welbeck wheeling away in celebration after giving his side the advantage in the first 19 mins.
24′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Another yellow card has been dished out. This time it goes to Van Hecke as the referee believes he is wasting time at a goal-kick. That means two out of Brighton’s back four are on a yellow card.
19′
Man United 0-1 Brighton
Brighton find the back of the net! It goes against the run of play but Welbeck puts the visitors ahead in the 19th minute of the game.
Welbeck played the ball out wide to Adingra – who worked his way into the box. Welbeck continued his run and was left unmarked. As a result, he recieved the ball back at the penalty spot and slotted it in from close range.
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Tom Heaton, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat and Luke Shaw all pictured in the Directors Box this afternoon…
15′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
15mins: That was a hairy moment for the United fans! Lindelof and Onana decided to play a little one-two in the box. But, that is why Erik ten Hag brought the goalkeeper in… they wanted someone that was comfortable with the ball at his feet.
14′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Brighton get out of their own half for the first time this afternoon. They made the most of the fact United are committing bodies forward. However, the Seagulls coulnd’t capitalise on their counter attack as Lallana miss controlled the ball on the edge of the box.
12′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Great start from United. They are dominating possesion and having a lot of success in the middle of the pitch. They are connecting well with each other but just need the finish their chances. Brighton are holding on!
11′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Rashford looks extremely sharp but United are utlimately denied by the flag. The England international unleashed a rocket towards goal but his shot was blocked. It feel to Reguilon – who cut back nicely. But, the flag went up.
21:13,9′
United 0-0 Brighton
Another chance for United! Hojlund came extremely close to opening his account once again. However, he couldn’t quite connect with Rashford’s pass from the left.
Credit where credit is due though, that whole opportunity came from a lovely bit of skill from Eriksen in the middle. He turned his players beautifully and broke towards the edge of the box.
7′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Another chance for Manchester United. This time it comes from Rasmus Hojlund. He did well to rise above his defender and get a head on the ball but it floated just over the bar.
5′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Chance for Manchester United. It comes from Marcus Rashford. The England international danced past three players to make his way into the box. However, the angle was tight and he couldn’t quite get the power he needed behind it.
4′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Amrabat, Mount, Shaw and Heaton can all be seen sitting in the directors box. They will be frustrated they are missing this game… that’s for sure.
3′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Tariq Lamptey is awarded the first yellow card of the game for a challenge on Dalot. Dalot is aboustely furious but I think a yellow is a little harsh – espcially this early in the game.
3′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Good start from Manchester United. Very fiesty game and I expect that will continue. Lovely footwork from Scott McTominay on the righthand side of the pitch. He will be eager to prove his worth today.
1′
Man United 0-0 Brighton
Brighton have come out of the block firing. They are asserting their dominance physically – giving Hojlund a shove in the opening minute of the game.