THRILLS! BUT TOO MANY SPILLS

United are ridiculously entertaining, but unless they sort out their defence there will be no Champions League place for Solskjaer

THIS crazy game should serve as a warning to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Wonderful entertainment, incredible drama and controversy, as Manchester United somehow managed to be credited with the winning goal after the full-time whistle.

They never even used to do that back in the days of Fergie Time.

But Solskjaer must know his defence is in urgent need of improvement before the transfer window shuts next Monday, barring business with EFL clubs.

Never mind signing another forward, the back four is in more urgent need of improvement because they conceded too many chances.

Brighton set an unlucky Premier League record of hitting the woodwork five times and United arguably should have lost.

The Seagulls clearly targeted United right-back Aaron WanBissaka and he struggled up against man-of-the-match Solly March, while the home side were given too much space down Luke Shaw’s flank, and put over countless deep crosses as they had seen a weak spot.

But even more noticeable was the shaky performance by Victor Lindelof.

The Swede still does not look like a title-winning defender and it seemed odd Solskjaer hinted he would give Eric Bailly a chance... then didn’t. Bailly is a better, ready- made option judging by his outstanding first season at the club and, now he is fully fit again, surely deserves an opportunity alongside Harry Maguire, who did not look great himself.

The Reds were defensively solid last season, conceding 36 goals in 38 games, but it still looks an area where they can improve, especially after conceding five goals in their opening two league games this time.

If United are to kick on, they really must sign another powerful, dominant centre-half, otherwise their defensive frailties will be exposed and it will be more costly than a big, fat transfer fee. They have so much potential going forward. Marcus Rashford’s goal was sensational and Bruno Fernandes was a central figure again, even if he was lucky not to be sent off in the first half for conceding a penalty, having already been booked.

But until United upgrade defensively – they are trying to get Porto’s Brazil left-back Alex Telles over the line – they will be chasing a top-four spot rather than challenging for the title.

That was pretty obvious at Brighton as Leandro Trossard had hit the post twice and Adam Webster headed against the crossbar, even before Fernandes conceded a penalty for a clumsy trip on Tariq Lamptey.

Up stepped Neal Maupay to score after 40 minutes with an audacious Panenka penalty.

But United were level inside three minutes, when Fernandes’ free-kick caused chaos, and it ended with Lewis Dunk deflecting the ball into his own net.

The visitors were ahead after 55 minutes, when Fernandes’ brilliant ball released Rashford, whose pace outstripped Brighton’s defence.

He then put Ben White on his backside and slammed the ball into the net. It was the 10,000th goal in United’s history and was a fitting one for such a milestone.

March hit the post, Trossard hit the bar, before March got a 95th-minute leveller ( left).

But United still had time. Maguire’s header was deflected off Maupay’s outstretched arm ( far left), and March headed off the line, but the visitors appealed after the final whistle.

Referee Chris Kavanagh checked the TV monitor, it was a clear penalty, and Fernandes slammed home in the 110th minute. It was daylight robbery.