THE United players avoided a rendition of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt, but they could not avoid defeat at Brighton again.
The Reds have a new manager and new players - only four starters lined up for the 4-0 drubbing at the Amex last May. But 362 days on from last season's nadir, Brighton continue to have the hex over United.
One win in 11 against the top 12; eight of them defeats. This was one of United's bitterest, lost deep into stoppage-time, the period they are renowned for snatching victories.
Now the Reds' Premier League season is in danger of collapsing at the final hurdle. Liverpool are breathing down their necks, four points behind, and United only have one game in hand, to be played in the final week of the campaign.
Luke Shaw had not put a foot wrong all night and then raised his hand, the ball grazing it from a corner kick nine minutes into injury time.
It was missed by the referee but as soon as Andre Marriner approached the monitor after being prompted by VAR, the Reds defender knew the outcome.
Just as predictable was that David de Gea would be beaten from 12 yards. Alexis Mac Allister, the first to convert in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out last month, did so again.
United have still not won at the Amex Stadium with a crowd present, their three wins within three months in 2020 coming at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was not another supine surrender at a ground where they conceded seven goals in their past two losses, but they ceded any authority they had.
For the fourth time, Moises Caicedo bossed United's midfield and again Erik ten Hag's game management was awry.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.
PM keen to harness identities of regions
THE Council of the Nations and Regions has moved the UK \"a long way down the road\" towards more jobs and investment, the Prime Minister has said.
Peacekeepers hit again
THE United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said new explosions hit its headquarters yesterday morning, injuring two peacekeepers, a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.
Life for killer who hid her dead parents
AN \"INTELLIGENT manipulator\" who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years while spending their money has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years.
No cash to fix 'decrepit' Strangeways
PRISON GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS JAIL STAFF NEED 'MASSIVE INVESTMENT' TO TACKLE FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS
First new buzz route restores missing link
BUSES between Wigan and the Trafford Centre will double to run every 30 minutes instead of an hour later this month, it's been revealed.
Council's £200k winter fuel boost for pensioners
THE creation of a new fund of £200,000 to support local pensioners hit by the winter fuel payment cuts has been passed by Bolton council.
Rivals rubbish £45 charge for collecting garden waste
PLANS SLAMMED AS 'TAX ON POOR AND VULNERABLE'