Brighton produced a stunning display to beat Manchester United 4-0, with Moisés Caicedo opening the scoring before three second-half goals in 11 minutes stunned Ralf Rangnick’s side
Ralf Rangnick apologised to Manchester United’s supporters after their “unacceptable” defeat which ensured the club will finish with their lowest Premier League points tally. United have been accused of being on the beach during their dismal season and Rangnick’s hapless team, who are in danger of missing out on Europa League qualification, were all at sea with Brighton rampant on the south coast.
Graham Potter’s side raced out of the blocks and Moisés Caicedo’s early strike put Brighton in command. Second-half goals from Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and the exceptional Leandro Trossard, in the space of 11 minutes, dished out a new low for United’s team of misfits as they slumped to a fifth successive away defeat. Brighton had not won at home since Boxing Day but it felt like Christmas arrived early for the home fans after this euphoric victory.
The hosts made a bright start but Danny Welbeck was unable to guide his header from Trossard’s cross on target. Trossard looked in the mood to trouble United and was carrying a threat for Brighton down the wing. In response, Bruno Fernandes ambitiously attempted a volley from the edge of the area but his miscued effort careered harmlessly out of play. Nemanja Matic was next in on the act but the midfielder’s tame effort was also well off target.
Ronaldo had the chance to finally test Robert Sánchez before the break, from a free-kick in a dangerous position, but frustratingly blasted his strike over the bar.Photograph: James Marsh/Shutterstock But within three minutes of the restart United fell further behind. Trossard teed up Cucurella and the Spanish defender blasted the ball into the roof of the net from close range. The Amex Stadium was rocking and United were on extremely shaky ground.