Glenn Murray put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes with Shane Duffy doubling the Seagulls lead two minutes later. The Reds were offered a glimmer of hope as Romelu Lukaku headed in his first goal of the campaign just after the half-hour mark, but seconds before the break Brighton restored their two-goal cushion, as Pascal Gross slotted home from the spot after Eric Bailly has fouled him in the box.
The second half was a less frenetic affair despite United having the lion’s share of possession. Paul Pogba forced a good save out of Brighton keeper Maty Ryan with a shot from range, but even though the Frenchman scored from the spot deep into stoppage time, the Reds lost out on a disappointing afternoon at the Amex Stadium.