Premier League: Manchester United suffer EMBARRASSING defeat by Brighton, Red Devils fail to qualify for 2022/23 Champions League, Watch Brighton beat Man United HIGHLIGHTS

Ralf Rangnick opted not to restore fit-again captain Harry Maguire to his defence, which was breached after 15 minutes when Caicedo drilled a brilliant finish into the bottom-left corner from outside the area.

Victor Lindelof was forced into a last-ditch clearance after a flowing move from the dominant hosts, before Danny Welbeck lobbed over the bar after latching onto Raphael Varane’s poor touch.

Rangnick introduced Fred and Edinson Cavani after watching his team fail to register a shot on target before the break, but Cucurella then side-footed home from Trossard’s 49th-minute cutback.

Premier League: Manchester United fail to qualify for 2022/23 UEFA Champions League

Brighton ended the game as a contest after 57 minutes when Gross produced a neat left-footed finish after taking Trossard’s pass into his stride, and they were in dreamland as the creator turned scorer three minutes later, bundling in from close range after Welbeck’s chipped effort.

Brighton almost had a fifth after 65 minutes when Diogo Dalot deflected Alexis Mac Allister’s effort against his own post, while Welbeck also narrowly missed the target again as United endured another day to forget – Cavani’s consolation ruled out for offside at the other end.

Red Devils confirm worst Premier League showing

United’s capitulation saw the positivity of Monday’s 3-0 win over Brentford evaporate and confirmed the 2021-22 season will be their worst ever in the Premier League.

With 58 points and just one game remaining, Rangnick’s team will finish with their lowest points tally in the competition, unable to match the 64 they earned in 2013-14 under David Moyes and Ryan Giggs.

Manchester United will now finish the 2021/22 season with their lowest points tally in the competition’s history, fewer than 2013/14’s 64 points.

A season to forget. 😕🔴 pic.twitter.com/xYiiPoE3cC

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 7, 2022

What’s next?

Brighton are next in action against Leeds next Sunday on the road, while United have two weeks to prepare for their final Premier League match of the season away to Crystal Palace.