Brighton rock United to extend spiralling crisis

Manchester United’s crisis deepened as they slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Brighton last Saturday (Sept 16).

The season is spiralling out of control for Erik ten Hag’s United, who started the campaign in buoyant mood after ending their trophy drought and finishing third in the league last season.

Some fans dreamed of a long-overdue title challenge but instead they find themselves trailing leaders Manchester City by nine points after a third chastening defeat in five matches.

Goals from former United striker Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and substitute Joao Pedro made it 3-0, with Hannibal Mejbri’s first United goal little consolation for the shell-shocked hosts.

“It is difficult in this period,” said Ten Hag after the game. “It has not fallen on our side, but we will fight back

Manchester United’s Casemiro (centre) reacts during the defeat 3-1 to Brighton last Saturday (Sept 16).

and if we stick together, play as a team, stick to the rules, we will return.”

The Dutchman, in his second season at Old Trafford, faces a huge job to save United’s season, besieged by problems on and off the pitch.

Jadon Sancho has been exiled from first-team training after a public spat with the manager, while fellow forward Antony has been given a leave of absence to address domestic abuse allegations, which he denies.

However, despite the tur

moil at Old Trafford, Brighton deserve huge credit for an outstanding display as they continue their impressive progression under Roberto De Zerbi – their fourth straight league win against United lifted them to third in the table.

Chelsea also find themselves in bother after a drab 0-0 draw against lowly Bournemouth left their fans booing the side as they left the pitch.

The Blues have made their second worst ever start to a Premier League campaign and, with just one win from five league games, find themselves closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

Elsewhere defending champions Manchester City overcame West Ham 3-1 to maintain top spot in the table, while Liverpool won by the same scoreline against Wolves in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Sheffield United looked to be on track for their first league victory of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to Gustavo Hamer’s 73rd minute goal.

However, Spurs grabbed an equaliser in the 98th minute when Richarlison headed home Ivan Perisic’s corner and Dejan Kulusevski then scored the winner two minutes later.

Aston Villa scored three late goals to beat Crystal Palace 3-1, Arsenal overcame lowly Everton 1-0 while Fulham condemned Premier League new boys Luton to a fourth consecutive defeat as the Cottagers won 1-0.

Newcastle beat Brentford 1-0 at St James’ Park to end a run of three successive defeats, while Nottingham Forest and Burnley drew 1-1 on Monday.