Download
Brighton condemn Manchester United to defeat in season opener
CGTN
Brighton & Hove Albion's Pascal Gross celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. /CFP

Brighton & Hove Albion's Pascal Gross celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. /CFP

Brighton & Hove Albion inflicted the first loss of the season to Manchester United in their first game of the 2022/23 season on Sunday, the result also being a debut defeat for new manager Erik ten Hag.

Brighton started the game in bright fashion, Leandro Trossard volleyed into the side-netting within 15 seconds of the start.

Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a low cross from Danny Welbeck's run split United defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez and found him.

He doubled his side's lead nine minutes later after David de Gea parried a low shot from Solly March onto his path.

The score remained 2-0 as the teams went into the break, but with Cristiano Ronaldo, who had started the game as a substitute, warming up on the touchlines.

The Portuguese forward was brought on in the 53rd minute and immediately took the lead in United's attack.

The Reds returned one goal in the 68th minute as Alexis Mac Allister turned in the ball into his own net after some confusion on the line.

Despite United's forwards pushing for an equalizer, the game ended with no more goals much to the delight of the away crowd.

Ten Hag's side are now poised to play Brentford away in their second game, one they will hope to use to get their season moving forward.

Search Trends