Cristiano Ronaldo was caught laughing as Manchester United’s disappointing campaign reached a new low against Brighton.
After Monday’s convincing 3-0 victory over Brentford, United arrived on the south coast in confident mood but they were run ragged by Graham Potter’s improving side.
Ralf Rangnick responded at the break by bringing on Edinson Cavani and Fred, but the changes failed to do any good as United succumbed to wave after wave of Brighton pressure.
Marc Cucurella doubled the home side’s advantage just four minutes after the re-start, arrowing a left-footed shot into the net and Seagulls fans were sent into ecstasy when Gross waltzed through moments later and beat United’s goalkeeper.
The cameras quickly cut to a disbelieving Cristiano Ronaldo who stood with outstretched arms, laughing and gesticulating in the middle of the pitch against Brighton.
Worse was still to come, when former United striker Welbeck was played through on goal and chipped the ball over De Gea and in the direction of Leandro Trossard who bundled home their fourth goal of a scarcely believable afternoon.
While the Red Devils were left to lick their gaping wounds, it was a significant day for Brighton who celebrated a first ever four-goal Premier League win.
Captain Lewis Dunk summed up the emotions, saying: ‘It is a special day. [Man Utd] are a top side and we’ve let our home fans down this season, so it was a nice moment. Away from home, our form has been excellent, home form not so good.
‘It has held us back in the league. They’ve had to watch some not so good performances but you can hear they enjoyed that one.
‘We waited for it to come together; there were a few moments when I was still shouting. I’m happy, but never too happy. We’ll have a nice evening.’
