Leon Balogun made his Brighton debut as they stunned a lacklustre Manchester United with three first-half goals to secure a famous victory at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls beat United in May to retain their Premier League status, but few expected a repeat result on Sunday.
However, Brighton capitalised on a poor start from United to take the lead on 25 minutes, when Glenn Murray flicked home Solly March’s low cross.
???? Off the mark with 3⃣ points and 3⃣ goals!
⚽️ Who enjoyed that one?#BHAFC ????⚪️ pic.twitter.com/C5g27luuhy
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) August 19, 2018
???? A great afternoon’s work!#BHAFC ????⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GmmsvsPCmJ
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) August 19, 2018
And they doubled their lead just two minutes later, Shane Duffy taking advantage of the visitors’ inability to clear by stroking home his first Premier League goal.
Romelu Lukaku halved the deficit 11 minutes before the break, rising unmarked to nod in Luke Shaw’s ball.
But Eric Bailly’s rash challenge on Pascal Gross inside the area presented Brighton with the chance to restore their two-goal advantage, which Gross took.
READ: David Silva shines as Aguero scores hat-trick in City’s win
United improved marginally after the break but never really looked like threatening a fightback, though Paul Pogba netted an injury-time penalty after Duffy brought down Marouane Fellaini.
Balogun made his Premier League debut for the Seagulls coming on as a 20 minute substitute for injured Lewis Dunk.
The Nigerian international partnered Duffy to good effect as they foiled attempts by the United attack.
