Brighton & Early

New season; but same old stuff from Manchester United. After all the pre-season heroics that saw them crowned as Bangkok Century Cup champions; the same old failings were clear for all to see; as they fell to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford at the first hurdle.

It seems each man was playing for himself; with teamwork looking painfully shy; and again the midfield tandem of Scott McTominay & Fred just didn't seem to work. It looked too defensive; and they weren't protecting the back four all that well too! Conversely; they looked short of creativity & invention in attack; with Marcus Rashford unfortunately still continuing his off-form from last season.

In contrast; Brighton; even though losing their two best players in Yves Bissouma & Marc Cucurella; didn't seem to miss a beat as they played with their usual teamwork and panache. Leandro Trossard; who enjoyed a brilliant last season; continues to dazzle out on the wing; while Pascal Gross did the damage with two finely-taken goals.

It may be early days yet; but as shown by the booing echoing around the stadium at the final whistle; it could yet again be a long season for the Old Trafford faithful.