Brighton vs Man Utd LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League clash as Mac Allister scores late penalty

Brighton earned some redemption after their FA Cup semi-final defeat by beating Manchester United in the Premier League to keep their hopes of securing Europa League football alive.

As expected the first half was an even contest with both teams creating good chances. Antony pulled one wide of the post inside three minutes before Kaoru Mitoma blasted a shot straight at David De Gea. Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Julio Enciso all missed chances and the sides went into the break on level terms.

Brighton came out as the more aggressive side in the second half. They dominated possession and pinned United inside their own half but couldn’t find a way through the resolute defence as David De Gea proved his quality once again. However, there was late drama on the cards.

Luke Shaw handled the ball in the final minute to gift Brighton a penalty and Alexis Mac Allister remained calm before despatching it to earn his team all three points.

Relive the action as Brighton hosted Man Utd in the Premier League:

Brighton vs Manchester United

• Brighton defeat Manchester United thanks to late penalty from Alexis Mac Allister

• Last-gasp Alexis Mac Allister penalty sinks Manchester United and sends Brighton sixth

• 90+9’ GOAL! - Mac Allister blasts home the penalty (BHA 1-0 MUN)

• 90+5’ PENALTY - Shaw handles the ball in the area (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 90’ SAVE! - De Gea turns Mac Allister’s effort from range past the post (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 87’ CLOSE! - March shoots wide after a nice counter-attack (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 78’ SHOT! - Rashford smokes a free kick straight at Steele (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 68’ SAVE! - Steele denies Fernandes with a leaping stop (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 29’ SAVE! - Steele turns Rashford’s shot past the post (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 4’ SAVE! - De Gea stops Mitoma’s effort after Lindelof’s mistake (BHA 0-0 MUN)

• 3’ CHANCE! - Antony pulls an early shot wide (BHA 0-0 MUN)

Brighton & Hove Albion FC 1 - 0 Manchester United FC

Last-gasp Alexis Mac Allister penalty sink Manchester United and sends Brighton sixth

22:43 , Mike Jones

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis MacAllister fired the winner from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 win for his side over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League clash on Thursday.

The defeat leaves Erik ten Hag’s side in fourth place on 63 points, four ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool but with a game in hand over their Merseyside rivals, while Brighton move up to sixth on 55 points.

Last-gasp Alexis Mac Allister penalty sinks Manchester United to send Brighton sixth

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:46 , Mike Jones

More reaction from Luke Shaw who said: “The problem is we don’t score. We had three or four big chances in the first half we should be scoring. That is happening a lot of times this season. Then again, it comes down to my mistake at the end but with the chances we had we should be scoring. The game is completely different if we score with the chances we make.

“Maybe not clinical enough, I don’t know what else to say. I say about that but obviously go down to the other end what I did. It is totally disappointing and I lost us a point at the end.

“It changes nothing. It is still in our hands. We have to pick ourselves from the position we were win. We were comfortable but now you could say there is a real chase. Teams around us are picking up points. We still have a game in hand and it is in our hands.”

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:40 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Brighton’s matchwinner Alexis Mac Allister: “It was similar to Wembley, to be honest. We did everything to win the game but we couldn’t score our chances.

“They know I like to have that opportunity to score. Of course I was a little bit nervous [to take the penalty]. I’m very happy every time I have an opportunity to score a goal, so I’m very happy for the team.

“It’s easy to play in this team. The way we play is very nice, my team-mates are fantastic. It’s down to them as well. I’m really pleased to play with them and they help me to be a better player every day.

“To be honest, after the World Cup it was a little bit difficult to play straight away. We didn’t have the time to celebrate properly. But it is what it is.”

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:37 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have now lost four of their six Premier League games against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Their loss rate of 67% there is their worst at any ground they’ve played at more than once in the competition.

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:34 , Mike Jones

Brighton have now won three straight league matches against Manchester United for the first time in their history, also completing the league double over them for the first time as well.

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:31 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw spoke to Sky Sports after conceding the decisive penalty in this match:

“It hurts, it hurts a lot. Last minute, last action, I got a little nudge but of course the hand shouldn’t be there. It cost us the game and it’s tough.

“I can’t explain why my hand’s up there, but I’m not looking for excuses and I can’t change that. The hand’s up and it’s a silly mistake that cost us a point.”

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:28 , Mike Jones

Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty for Brighton tonight was the latest penalty scored in a Premier League game (98:16) since Bruno Fernandes scored for Manchester United against Brighton in this exact fixture in September 2020 (99:45)

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:25 , Mike Jones

Brighton next face Everton on Monday night. That will be another big game for them but one that they will be confident of winning after tonight’s performance.

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:22 , Mike Jones

What a result for Brighton. Is there a chance the Seagulls could edge into the top four?

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:19 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, who told Sky Sports: “That was special. It was a big night for us. We played really well. It was two good teams going toe to toe, really enjoyable to play in.

“It wasn’t about revenge or anything like that. Did we have a little bit extra motivation? Yes probably but I don’t think it spilled over into anymore than that and I think we deserved to win.

“Massive. It is a big three points for us.”

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:16 , Mike Jones

Brighton’s winning goal against Manchester United, scored by Alexis Mac Allister, was the latest winning goal scored against Manchester United in Premier League history, timed at 98 minutes and 16 seconds.

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:13 , Mike Jones

Manchester United aren’t really affected by that loss - in terms of league position anyway - and remain fourth in the table with a four point cushion over Liverpool.

Brighton meanwhile have jumped up to sixth place. They are four points behind the Reds but have two games in hand and are certainly in the battle for the Europa League spot.

FT Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:04 , Mike Jones

Full-time: Brighton 1-0 Man Utd

22:01 , Mike Jones

90+10 mins: Brighton take all three points!

They needed a chance and Luke Shaw handed it to them on a plate. His handball in the final minute gave the hosts a penalty and Alexis Mac Allister slotted it home.

That’s a huge result for Roberto De Zerbi’s men who move up to sixth place.

GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Man Utd (Mac Allister, 90+9’)⚽️

21:59 , Mike Jones

90+9 mins: Alexis Mac Allister scores! He smashes it into the back of the net as David De Gea leaps the wrong way.

Brighton win it in the last minute!

Penalty to Brighton!

21:57 , Mike Jones

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

90+5 mins: What drama! A late corner for Brighton is whipped into the box. Manchester United seem to clear it after a decent save from De Gea but a VAR check shows Luke Shaw touched the ball with his hand.

It’s a clear decision and Brighton have the chance to win it late on!

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:53 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: There’s five minutes of added time to play. A goal for either side now will certainly be enough to win them the game. Brighton are the team knocking on the door.

Estupinan shoots from range and smokes it straight into De Gea’s arms.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:51 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Save! Solly March dances into the box from the right but gets tackled by Casemiro. The ball comes out to Alexis Mac Allister who drills one towards goal.

His effort flies through the legs of Deniz Undav but David De Gea drops to the right and pushes it wide!

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:47 , Mike Jones

87 mins: Close! That’s a great chance for Brighton who burst up the pitch on the counter-attack. Solly March drives the ball down the inside right before darting inside of Casemiro and Luke Shaw and nailing his shot inches wide of the far post.

David De Gea was beaten but March couldn’t hit the target.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:45 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Erik ten Hag needs a goal so calls on his big forward Wout Weghorst. Anthony Martial’s had a quiet night and he’s been taken off.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:42 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Will there be a goal in this match? It seems unlikely. Manchester United can’t get hold of the ball and Brighton lack that clinical edge in the final third.

Less than 10 minutes to play.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:39 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Marcus Rashford drills a free kick from about 30 yards straight at the Brighton goal. He strikes it well but it’s an easy save for Jason Steele.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:36 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Danny Welbeck and Billy Gilmour are taken off by Roberto De Zerbi with Levi Colwill and Deniz Undav brought on for the final 15 minutes.

Erik ten Hag now goes to the bench replacing Fred and Antony with Marcel Sabitzer and Jadon Sancho.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:35 , Mike Jones

73 mins: Anthony Martial controls a diagonal pass and dribbles into the penalty area. He looks to cut it back and wins a corner for the visitors.

It’s another poor short corner - none of them have worked for United - that sees Fernandes float the ball over to Lindelof on the far side.

The ball is nodded away and comes to Casemiro who launches it high and wide from outside the box.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:31 , Mike Jones

70 mins: Oh hello. Antony tries to get into the box from the right wing but is blocked by Pervis Estupinan. The referee waves for play to go on and the Brazilian is fuming that he hasn’t won a free kick.

As Mac Allister receives the ball, Antony flies across and knocks him down in a release of frustration which results in a yellow card for the winger.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:29 , Mike Jones

68 mins: Save! A wayward pass comes to Rashford who carries the ball up towards the box and slips in Fernandes. He cuts onto his right foot and blazes a shot at goal but Jason Steele leaps to his left and pushes the ball clear!

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:27 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Brighton are playing the possession game now. The tempo of the match has eased off as the home side focus on keeping hold of the ball.

Casemiro lunges in to tackle Alexis Mac Allister but misses the ball. He clips the man and brings the midfielder down. The Brighton fans want him booked which would result in a red card but the referee is unmoved.

Brighton are awarded the free kick.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:24 , Mike Jones

63 mins: That knock is Buonanotte’s final act of the game as Roberto De Zerbi brings on Solly March to replace him.

March missed a crucial penalty in the FA Cup semi-final that sent Manchester United through ahead of Brighton, can he make up for that tonight?

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:22 , Mike Jones

62 mins: Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw seem to have switched positions with Shaw out in the left-back role and Dalot as the left sided centre-back. Will that open up mor opportunities for Manchester United?

Dalot is given the ball by De Gea and Facundo Buonanotte presses him. There’s a coming together and the Brighton man goes down.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:19 , Mike Jones

59 mins: Aaron Wan-Bissaka is having a fantastic game against Kaoru Mitoma. The defender is reluctant to commit to a tackle but won’t let Brighton’s forward cut onto his right foot to shoot.

It’s meant that Mitoma has had to use his weaker left foot or try to chip the ball with the outside of his right. Neither has worked so far.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:16 , Mike Jones

56 mins: Diogo Dalot loses the ball after a wayward pass comes straight to Kaoru Mitoma.

Mitoma carries it into the left side of the box, dribbles past Aaron Wan-Bissaka then smokes it wide of the near post despite having at least three teammates in available positions to his right.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:13 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Julio Enciso weaves and runs his way into the penalty area, evading a tackle from Casemiro in the process. He shoots but his shot is blocked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and United transition into a quick counter.

Bruno Fernandes carries the ball through the middle of the pitch but is caught by Adam Webster who takes him out and earns a yellow card.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:11 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Moises Caicedo makes a lovely run down the right wing and is picked out by a diagonal pass from Adam Webster.

The makeshift right-back for Brighton runs into trouble and can’t find a way around Diogo Dalot so is forced to send the ball back to Alexis Mac Allister.

It’s been a slower start to the second half as both teams look to win control of the ball.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:08 , Mike Jones

48 mins: There’s an appeal for a penalty from Marcus Rashford as he runs into the box down the left side. Lewis Dunk stretcheso out an arm and catches him but the ball has run away from the striker and he’s trying to hoodwink the referee.

The decision doesn’t go United’s way.

Second half: Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:05 , Mike Jones

Brighton get the game restarted at the Amex Stadium. Will one of these teams break the deadlock in the second half?

Neither manager has made a change at the break.

HT Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

21:02 , Mike Jones

HT Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:58 , Mike Jones

Manchester United seem to have edged it in terms of shots (10) but Brighton had more possession and looked hungry in the final third.

Jason Steele and David De Gea have both been busy.

HT Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:54 , Mike Jones

A well-balanced first half comes to a close with no goals scored and nothing to choose between the teams. Brighton ended the half in the ascendancy and will hope to pick up where they left off in the second half.

Half-time: Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:50 , Mike Jones

45+4 mins: Brighton ended the first half as the more attacking side but Manchester United manage to keep them at bay. This is a nicely poised clash with both teams having a few half chances and both goalkeepers forced to make decent saves.

At the halfway stage though there’s nothing to separate them.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:47 , Mike Jones

45+2 mins: Julio Enciso shifts the ball away from Casemiro before letting fly on a shot from long range. He doesn’t catch it well at all and spoons the shot high and wide.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:46 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half after a couple of injuries caused some stoppages throughout this half.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:45 , Mike Jones

44 mins: Brighton’s first real counter-attack sees Alexis Mac Allister bomb it through the middle of the pitch before he’s hacked down by a sliding Casemiro.

The Man Utd felt he needed to make the tackle and takes a yellow card for the team.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:43 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Marcus Rashford stays down after a late tackle from Moises Caicedo catches him on the ankle. Erik ten Hag in incensed that the officials didn’t give his side a free kick but United’s attack earns them a corner.

Bruno Fernandes takes it but Danny Welbeck scoops the ball clear.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:40 , Mike Jones

38 mins: Save! It’s end to end. This time it’s Man Utd’s turn to attack and a chipped pass comes up to Anthony Martial. He touches the ball into the penalty area the rattles a shot straight at Jason Steele who makes a decent reactionary save.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:38 , Mike Jones

35 mins: Shot! Julio Enciso gives the ball to Danny Welbeck who flicks it around the corner and lets the midfielder storm back onto the loose ball.

Enciso gets to the edge of the box and strikes a decent effort towards the far corner but just puts it wide of the target. David De Gea leapt across and seemingly had it covered too.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:33 , Mike Jones

32 mins: Bruno Fernandes clips Moises Caicedo on the right wing as the Brighton man weaves past him. The hosts are awarded a free kick that Facundo Buonanotte looks set to send into the box.

He lifts it to the far side where it drops to Pervis Estupinan who offloads it to Billy Gilmour. Glimour sends the ball back into the middle but overhits it and the ball bounces out for a goal kick.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:29 , Mike Jones

29 mins: Good save!

Marcus Rashford dances around the outside of Moises Caicedo and gets into the box from the left. He’s got a tight angle to shoot from but hits the target and sees Jason Steele divert the ball wide of the near post.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:27 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Chance! Luke Shaw plays a short corner to Bruno Fernandes then receives the ball back with a better angle to cross. His pass is whipped over to Casemiro who rises above Moises Caicedo then nods his effort over the crossbar.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:25 , Mike Jones

23 mins: After a period of possession that yields nothing Man Utd counter with Bruno Fernandes. He launches the ball over the top and finds Marcus Rashford’s run in behind the defence.

Rashford looks to bring the ball down on the edge of the box but can’t control it under pressure from Jason Steele.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:19 , Mike Jones

20 mins: There’s a penalty shout from Brighton as Mitoma and Wan-Bissaka come together in the Man Utd box. Mitoma goes to ground but the referee waves for play to go on.

United break and Fernandes whips the ball over to Rashford on the left. Rashford carries it into the penalty area and wins a corner when his effort is deflected behind.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:17 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Kaoru Mitoma tries to take on Aaron Wan-Bissaka over on Brighton’s left wing. The forward can’t get by him but does manage to win a corner.

Alexis Mac Allister swings in the set piece and picks out Lewis Dunk but his header falls safely in the hands of David De Gea.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:16 , Mike Jones

15 mins: There’s a slight lull in this high tempo start as Brighton look to build out from the back. A wayward pass down the inside right gives the ball to Luke Shaw who has plenty of time to pick out his next pass.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:14 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Close! Brighton work the ball nicely down the right and slip it inside to Facundo Buonanotte. The teenager gives it to Julio Enciso in the middle and he threads Kaory Mitoma into the left side of the box.

Mitoma checks inside and guides a low shot towards the far bottom corner but narrowly sends it wide of the post.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:11 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Shot! It’s a quick transition from Man Utd that sees them move the ball quickly from the left wing into the middle. Marcus Rashford receives it on the edge of the box and flicks it over to Antony.

Antony lays the ball back to Bruno Fernandes who puts his foot through the ball and smokes it high and wide. Not one of his best efforts that one.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:07 , Mike Jones

6 mins: David De Gea stayed down after that block and needed some treatment from the physios. They’ll have done a concussion test and such but the goalkeeper is back on his feet and looks ready to continue.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:05 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Save! Victor Lindelof is spared blushes by his goalkeeper after underhitting a pass across to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Kaoru Mitoma nicks the ball before it reaches the right-back and carries it into the box.

He shoots just as David De Gea comes out to close him down and the goalkeeper manages to block the effort but takes the ball fully in the face doing so.

Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Chance! That was a massive moment for the visitors. Brighton are caught in possession on their right side, just inside their own half.

Casemiro quickly works the ball up to Bruno Fernandes who threads it into the front of the box. Antony arrives having made a diagonal run into the area but he pulls his sharp effort wide of the right hand post!

That was a close one.

Kick off: Brighton 0-0 Man Utd

20:01 , Mike Jones

Manchester United kick off the game and work the ball over to the right side of the pitch.

It comes to Fred who plays a first time pass through the middle of the pitch looking for Bruno Fernandes but Billy Gilmour manages to intercept and win possession for the hosts.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:57 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

It looks as though Moises Caicedo will play at right-back for Brighton which should be interesting especially as he’s up against Marcus Rashford.

The atmosphere is bouncing inside the Amex Stadium. Which way will this one go?

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:52 , Mike Jones

Brighton’s total of 20 midweek top-flight defeats since the beginning of their first Premier League season in 2017/18 is more than any other team.

Will they lose again this evening or can they shock Manchester United?

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:48 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have lost three of their five Premier League games against Brighton at the Amex Stadium (two wins). It is their highest loss rate at any ground they have played at more than once in the competition (60%).

United have also won just one of their last 13 Premier League away games against sides starting the day in the top half of the table (three draws, nine defeats), beating Fulham 2-1 in November.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:44 , Mike Jones

Brighton’s Pascal Gross has scored six league goals against Manchester United since the beginning of the 2017/18 season, a tally beaten only by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

But, the German isn’t involved in the matchday squad this evening.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:40 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have lost just twice in their 19 Premier League matches played on a Thursday: a 3-1 loss at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day 2002 and a 4-2 home defeat versus Liverpool in May 2021.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:36 , Mike Jones

Roberto De Zerbi is only the seventh Premier League manager whose side have scored 50 or more goals in his first 25 matches in charge.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:32 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 league matches, while their 26 clean sheets in all competitions this season is second only to Barcelona among teams in Europe’s top five leagues.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:28 , Mike Jones

Brighton have dropped points in the immediate fixture after each of their last six league victories. Last time out they defeated Wolves 6-0 in the league.

Will they have to settle for a draw at best tonight?

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:24 , Mike Jones

31 of the 39 Premier League goals Manchester United have let in this season have been in away games.

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:20 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have taken only one point from their seven Premier League away fixtures this season against other teams currently in the top nine of the table, conceding 27 goals in such fixtures.

Does that give Brighton the edge tonight?

De Zerbi praises his players

19:16 , Mike Jones

Roberto De Zerbi took Brighton to a new points and wins record in the Premier League with their victory over Wolves and he preferred to give his players the praise despite Wolves’ coach Julen Lopetegui saying that the Seagulls were ‘the best team playing football in the world’ at the moment.

“I respect him [Lopetegui] a lot as he is a great manager and I say thanks to him, but I don’t know.” said De Zerbi, “We are playing well but while [Pep] Guardiola works in football it’s difficult to play better than his team.

“The credit is not for me, the credit is for my players when we receive these words. I am lucky to be their coach, to work with them is an honour. I have good confidence in myself [and] I think I am a good coach but I can’t play this level of game without great players."

Brighton vs Man Utd

19:11 , Mike Jones

If Brighton avoid defeat they will surpass their club record of 52 points in a top-flight season, set during a 42-game campaign in 1981/82.

They have won seven of their last nine home matches in all competitions.

Brighton vs Man Utd team changes

19:06 , Mike Jones

Roberto De Zerbi makes four changes to the Brighton side that hammered Wolves last time out. Moises Caicedo, Kaoru Mitoma, Facundo Buonanotte and Alexis Mac Allister all return with Joel Veltman, Pascal Gross, Solly March and Deniz Undav dropping out.

Erik ten Hag also makes four changes to his Man Utd side. Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns in defence with Fred slotting in alongside Casemiro in midfield. Antony starts on the right with Anthony Martial up front.

Brighton vs Man Utd line-ups

19:03 , Mike Jones

Brighton XI: Steele; Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Gilmour, Caicedo; Mac Allister, Mitoma, Buonanotte, Enciso; Welbeck

Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Brighton will not falter if stars depart - Julio Enciso leads next wave ready to shine

19:26 , Mike Jones

There was Norwich City. There was Southampton and Hull City. There was even - spectacularly - Leicester City, for a period: clubs punching above their weight by buying well, developing players and producing impactful individuals who Champions League-level teams would inevitably look to spend big on.

Each of those have found that it only takes a couple too many sales or a summer of failing to reinvest well to fall away from their upward arc. At times it’s not even that; just a year or two of not selling at the right time to maximise income and renewal opportunities can prove costly.

But the latest club who have risen on the back of some magnificent recruitment and coaching work look to be set not only with the current crop, but the next batch too: Brighton and Hove Albion, a side flying this season and looking well-prepared for a shot at European football next term.

Currently sat in eighth, the Seagulls are potentially in something of a false position; heading into Thursday’s game against Manchester United they have three matches in hand on each of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham above them. Two wins from those and they’d be in sixth at worst, a Europa League spot within reach.

Brighton will not falter - Enciso leads next stars ready to shine

More from Welbeck

18:50 , Mike Jones

Danny Welbeck also spoke about how Brighton picked themselves up after losing the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United and what they hope to achieve against his old club tonight.

“It wasn’t easy to pick ourselves up after Wembley,” admitted Welbeck. “But there is no time to feel sorry for yourself - that’s not going to get you anywhere.

“There was a little bit of a hangover last midweek against Forest. So, it was important that we got the right result on Saturday and set us up for the rest of the season.

“I am looking forward to Thursday. They have got some amazing players, so you’ve got to be ready at all times when you play them. We will prepare the same way and we’ll try and put things right in front of our fans.”

Welbeck on De Zerbi

18:45 , Mike Jones

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi made five changes to his starting XI ahead of the Seagulls’ 6-0 battering over Wolves last time out and striker Danny Welbeck praised his manager’s focus on all the players within the squad.

“That’s one of the best things about the manager,” said Welbeck. “He doesn’t just focus on the starting team throughout the season, he makes sure everyone is ready.

“Whoever steps onto the pitch know they have a job to do and the whole team know what they and every single player should be doing. That’s a credit to him. He is so good at making sure we are all ready and well prepared during training sessions.

“Credit to the boys, everyone has bought into his style. He’s a special man. He keeps everyone motivated and on their toes, wanting to be better and improve. He’s doing an unbelievable job.”

Erik ten Hag unsure what funds will be available to strengthen Man Utd’s squad

18:40 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag is in the dark over Manchester United’s summer spending power as the takeover saga rumbles on.

The Old Trafford giants announced in November that the board was exploring strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth, with a full sale one option being considered.

Friday was the third, and what is expected to be final, deadline for parties to make offers to buy the club, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe both submitting bids.

Now the the Glazer family must decide how they want to proceed – a process that threatens to damage the progress made during Ten Hag’s first season in charge.

Erik ten Hag unsure what funds will be available to strengthen Man Utd’s squad

Brighton vs Man Utd

18:35 , Mike Jones

Brighton are aiming to win three league games in a row against Manchester United for the first time. They managed just three victories in the first 17 top-flight meetings.

Manchester United have lost three of their five Premier League games at the Amex Stadium.

Ten Hag on Jimmy Murphy statue

18:30 , Mike Jones

Earlier this week Manchester United unveiled a new statue of Jimmy Murphy, the influential manager, assistant, coach and scout who helped rebuild the club following the Munich Air Disaster.

Current boss, Erik ten Hag was asked about how much he knew about Murphy and what it means that a statue of him has been unveiled.

“I think it’s very good that the club gives so much honour and recognition to a main person in the history of Manchester United.” said Ten Hag in reply,

“It’s about [the fact] he stands for more symbols. [He is a] symbol of youth development. He stands for resilience and determination and they are the standards for Manchester United. It’s driven by this person after the Munich [Air Disaster].

“The club was devastated. They bounced back and this person played a main role. It is totally deserved he gets honour for this and the club is doing that with the Jimmy Murphy Centre, the Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year [award] and now a statue. It’s fantastic.”

De Zerbi on Brighton’s chances to finish in the European spots

18:25 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s visit to the Amex Stadium is the first of seven games in May which will determine whether Brighton will be playing European football next season.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi believes his team can get themselves into contention to compete for the European places but need to keep winning games.

“For sure we have to win [games] because by losing we can’t achieve.” he said “We have to play every game like it is the last game in our life because for us, for the club, for our fans it can be a historical result.”

Kaoru Mitoma seeking revenge against Man Utd as Brighton push for Europe

18:20 , Mike Jones

Kaoru Mitoma hopes to cap a fine breakthrough season by helping Brighton make history as he sets his sights on gaining revenge against Manchester United.

The high-flying Seagulls surpassed their Premier League points record by moving on to 52 with Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing of Wolves, which reignited the club’s quest to reach Europe.

Fourth-placed United travel to the south coast just 11 days after inflicting an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat on Albion in the FA Cup semi-final.

Japan winger Mitoma only made his Brighton debut in August but has rapidly enhanced his reputation this term with seven goals and four assists during a string of standout performances.

Kaoru Mitoma seeking revenge against Man Utd as Brighton push for Europe

Brighton vs Man Ud prediction

18:15 , Mike Jones

This will be a tightly fought affair with the teams evenly matched following their goalless draw at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.

Brighton are full of confidence after defeating Wolves 6-0 last time out but United are unbeaten in five league games and will be tricky to beat.

This one is likely to end in a draw. Brighton 2-2 Man Utd

Brighton vs Man Utd predicted line-ups

18:10 , Mike Jones

Brighton XI: Steele; Gross, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gilmour; March, Undav, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.

What is the early team news?

18:05 , Mike Jones

Joel Veltman is a doubt for Brighton after limping off during the win over Wolves. Billy Gilmour has seldom featured under Roberto De Zerbi, but impressed in that 6-0 victory, and could again start in midfield.

Manchester United’s injury issues at the back may see Luke Shaw once more deployed as a centre half. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive prowess might earn him the nod at right back, while Erik ten Hag could also look to refresh his forward line.

How to watch Brighton vs Man Utd

18:00 , Mike Jones

Brighton vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 4 May at the Amex Stadium near Brighton.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via the Sky Go app.

Brighton vs Man Utd

15:31 , Mike Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Brighton host Manchester United.

This is a clash of two in form teams both challenging for places in next season’s European competitions. United are hoping to clinch a spot in the Champions League and a win over Brighton will send them up to third - ahead of Newcastle - and almost guarantee a top four finish.

For Brighton, they’ll be targeting fifth place and a chance to play in the Europa League. They currently sit eighth in the table and victory tonight would jump them above Tottenham and Aston Villa into sixth, four points behind Liverpool - though the Seagulls would still have games in hand on Jurgen Klopp’s side.

This match is a tough one to call though. The two teams met 11 days ago in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. They played out a goalless draw over 120 minutes before Man Utd progressed after winning the penalty shootout. Is a draw the most likely option tonight as well?

Follow along with our live blog to find out, we’ll have all the team news, build-up and updates ahead of kick off at 8pm.