MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a THIRD defeat in five Premier League games as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Brighton.

The Red Devils were looking to bounce back from their 3-1 loss to Arsenal before the international break.

Brighton celebrated a superb victory against Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters

It was a dismal afternoon for Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: PA

But the Man Utd faithful experienced yet more misery on Saturday afternoon as goals from former striker Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro handed the visitors a comfortable victory at Old Trafford.

New £72million man Rasmus Hojlund, 20, made his first start for the club and was denied an equaliser when a VAR review showed the ball to have gone out of play before Marcus Rashford cut it back for the Dane.

And the Man Utd back line were desperately exposed on numerous occasions by Roberto De Zerbi’s forwards.

Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn saw the performances of the Red Devils players.

ANDRE ONANA – 5

His passing is one thing but is he a good enough shot-stopper? Hard to blame him for the first two goals but he will be disappointed at the third from Pedro.

Great late stop from Fati but the damage was already done.

DIOGO DALOT – 5

Asked to move across to right-back due to illness to Wan Bissaka and found it tough going against Mitoma.

Too much space on his flank as the second and third goals went in.

VICTOR LINDELOF –5

Victor Lindelof, left, had a nightmare afternoon at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters

At fault for Seagulls opener as weak challenge on Lallana allowed Welbeck to score.

At the other end he wasted a good chance when he headed a corner over – that could have made it interesting had it gone in.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 5

Battled back from injury to start but made to look foolish after a feint from Gross for Seagulls second goal.

Part of a dismal defensive display but at least set up Hannibal’s goal.

SERGIO REGUILON – 6

Full debut for on loan Spurs man and set up Rashford for early chance.

The Spaniard looked bright going forward with a couple of useful crosses but defensively suspect as the opener came down his flank.

CASEMIRO – 5

Needlessly blazed ball out of play shortly before Brighton’s opener but United found themselves chasing shadows.

Replaced by Hannibal just after the hour – and the youngster perked United up.

SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5

Could have left last month but finally got his chance to take his Scotland form on to the club stage.

Began brightly but his influence faded after the Seagulls got in front.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 6

Asked to fill the gap left by Antony and Sancho by moving out to the right of a diamond but the new skipper could not impact the game the way he usually does.

Ended up playing in defence at the end of a ragged display.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5

Lovely pirouette in the first few minutes from the Dane but the question is whether he still has the legs required.

A few uncharacteristic stray passes too as Seagulls took charge.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 6

Came as close as anyone to scoring for United but should have helped himself to a couple of goals.

Unfortunate to see a deflected shot hit the angle in the first half but misses cost his team.

RASMUS HOJLUND – 7

Rasmus Hojlund impressed on his first start for Man UtdCredit: Getty

Missed a good early chance and unlucky to see goal disallowed due to ball being out late in the first half but his full debut was encouraging.

The fans showed what they thought when he was subbed just after the hour.

HANNIBAL (FOR CASEMIRO, 64 MINS) – 7

Briliant long range goal gave United a glimmer.

ANTHONY MARTIAL (FOR HOJLUND, 64 MINS) – 5

Did nothing to change the mind of fans who didn’t want him on.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (FOR REGUILON, 85 MINS) – 5

United knew the game was up when he came on.

AARON WAN BISSAKA (FOR MARTINEZ, 85 MINS) – 5

Not well enough to start and United suffered as a result.

FACUNDO PELLISTRI (FOR McTOMINAY, 85 MINS) – 5

Thrown on too late to make any impact.