Hurzeler’s players showed scant regard for lofty reputations. There was an unmistakable air of opportunity knocking off the back of a restorative 4-0 win at Norwich in the FA Cup and a 2-0 victory at Ipswich on Thursday, which ended eight matches without a win in the league — including six draws.

Real Madrid went to the top of La Liga with a 4-1 over Las Palmas, while both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona dropped points while in Serie A, Napoli beat Atalanta 3-2 in a top-of-the-table clash to extend their lead.

Manchester United slumped to another home loss to a Brighton team struggling for results, and the most damning aspect is everyone simply expected it.

But Ferguson and the others had barely reached their seats before Brighton took the lead less than five minutes in. It was all too easy as Carlos Baleba floated a ball over to put

André Onana's howler gifted Georginio Rutter a goal that helped clinch victory for Brighton at Old Trafford. The Seagulls have enjoyed their trips to Old Trafford in recent times and this was no exception with the visitors taking the lead inside the first five minutes.