It was contrasting fortunes for Manchester sides in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday as United were beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford, while City won by the same scoreline.
Erik ten Hag’s boys were made to look ordinary by a well-oiled Brighton that have now defeated United in their last four meetings.
The visitors took the lead against the run of play through Danny Welbeck, a former Man United youngster, while second half strikes from Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro sealed the host’s fate despite Hannibal Mejbri’s consolation goal.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana saved United from further embarrassment with excellent stops late on as the Old Trafford side suffered their first home loss in 13 months.
It is also the club’s third straight defeat of the season as they remain on six points after five matches, their worst start to an EPL season in nine years.
Elsewhere, defending champions Man City scored thrice in the second half to secure a 3-1 comeback victory at West Ham.
James Ward-Prowse’s first half opener for the Hammers was cancelled by Jeremy Doku in the first minute of the second half before Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland sealed the win that ensured Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their perfect start to the season.
Liverpool and Tottenham also claimed victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United respectively.