Manchester United’s turbulent start to the new Premier League season continued on Saturday as they were again upset by Brighton and Hove Albion in a 3-1 loss at Old Trafford.

United’s anguish was initiated by former player Danny Welbeck after the Brighton striker finished off a lovely team buildup before scoring in the 20th minute.

The former “Man U” man worked a neat 1-2 with teammate Simon Adingra towards the United box before blasting home a one-timer just in front of the penalty spot to silence the home crowd.

Despite a slightly improved showing in the second half, United’s defensive fragility was again exposed as Pascal Groß doubled their misery in the 53rd minute. Groß showed excellent awareness inside the box to fake his initial shot, which deceived three defenders before slotting through the gap.

It was a case of rinse and repeat for the Seagulls as they added their third following another unfettered counterattack against the hosts in the 71st minute.

João Pedro made the most of an open pass right on top of the 18-yard box before hitting a stinging volley past United’s keeper, who was again forced to retrieve the ball from his own net.

Despite Hannibal Mejbri pulling a goal back in the 73rd minute, it served as little consolation to a rocky display at home as the club continues to grapple with internal issues that are seemingly bleeding into their performance on the field.

The result marks consecutive losses to Brighton after suffering a 2-1 loss in their opening fixture last season.

The defeat keeps United 12th in the standings on six points from five games, while Brighton remains in the top four on 12 points.