Man United stunned 1-2 by Brighton in 2022/23 EPL first match

Manchester United started the 2022/23 English Premier League on a disappointing note under a new manager, Erik ten Haag, losing 1-2 to Brighton at home on Sunday afternoon.

Brighton had never won at Old Trafford. But they made history when Pascal Groß got his first of the day to put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute, according gto Vanguard.

Despite being inferior in post-match statistics, the Seagulls made life difficult for United for the entire duration of the game.

Football365 also reports that Erik ten Hag was brought to the club in the summer to begin a rebuild on the back of a slump that has seen them go five years without winning a trophy and there is not going to be a quick fix.

Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, United were thoroughly outplayed in the first half as two Pascal Gross goals in the space of nine minutes gave the Seagulls a deserved lead.

Ten Hag’s men did improve after the break once Ronaldo had come on, but only found the back of the net through an Alexis Mac Allister own goal and were unable to get a leveller.

It was a worthy three points for Brighton, who have high expectations this season despite losing key players in the summer, and they enjoyed a first-ever win at Old Trafford.

It was 93 days since the nadir of Ralf Rangnick’s reign saw United hammered 4-0 at the Amex Stadium at the end of last season, but not much has changed on the pitch yet from that afternoon.

Despite their early arrival at the ground, United were caught cold in a hugely disappointing opening 45 minutes and were nearly behind in the opening 15 seconds.

Leandro Trossard pressed Diogo Dalot on the edge of the penalty area, stole possession but could only fire into the side-netting.

Having averted early disaster, it looked like United were going to take control as they forged a great chance to score in the eighth minute.

Scott McTominay got in down the right and his blocked shot fell perfectly for Bruno Fernandes, but the Portuguese blazed his effort well over.

But from then Brighton asserted themselves and they deservedly took the lead on the half-hour.

McTominay was robbed of possession by Moises Caicedo, who found Danny Welbeck’s clever run between the two centre-halves, and the ex-United striker picked out Gross at the far post, with the midfielder having an easy tap-in.

Things got worse for United nine minutes later as Brighton doubled their lead after they sliced through the Red Devils in just four passes.