English Premier League 2023-24: Brighton Pile More Pressure On Erik Ten Hag With A 3-1 Thumping Win Over Manchester United - In Pics

Manchester United's crisis deepened on Saturday as they slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Brighton. Red Devils' fans dreamed of a long-overdue title challenge but instead they find themselves trailing arch-rivals, Manchester City by nine points after a third chastening defeat in five matches. United started brightly at Old Trafford, desperate to put their nightmare start to the season behind them but their former forward Danny Welbeck silenced the home fans in the 20th minute. A 53rd-minute goal by Pascal Gross gave United a mountain to climb and substitute Joao Pedro made it 3-0, with Hannibal Mejbri's first United goal little consolation for the shell-shocked hosts.

Updated: 17 Sep 2023 11:33 am

English Premier League 2023-24 | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund leaves the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England. Brighton won 3-1.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England. Brighton won 3-1.

Manchester United's Victor Lindelof, left, challenges Brighton's Evan Ferguson during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, left, receives instructions to his coach Erik ten Hag during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Brighton's Joao Pedro, center, celebrates scoring his side's 3rd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Manchester United's Hannibal Mejbri celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Brighton's fans celebrate after Pascal Gross scores their side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Brighton's Pascal Gross celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Brighton's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.

Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, right, and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford fight for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.