Manchester United 1-3 Brighton: Andre Onana’s roar seals impressive Seagulls win

This was not a result or a performance characteristic of the Great Law.

The brilliance and entertainment for which the man described as “the best Scottish player ever” by Sir Alex Ferguson before the match was famous for was sadly lacking, and there was little from the stands to help either.

Part of that was because United supporters don’t know what to expect from their team from one minute to the next.

The ease with which they were opened up for Minteh’s opener and the run from Mitoma that followed as he looked like he was about to reveal Mazraoui down the Brighton left was a major concern. But then midweek hero Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee were both menacing presences further up the field,

The uncertainty was epitomized by a Harry Maguire clearance inside his own six-yard area, just as behind him keeper Onana was set to collect the ball, presumably not having told the Englishman of his intentions.

As it turned out, it was a minor mistake compared to what followed.

Amorim has warned of big bumps in the road and when United last lost at home they admitted they are in a relegation battle.

United have taken seven points from their last nine league games, but despite such a shocking statistic, there is no indication that relegation is likely to be a reality because the sides below them are also awful. However, it’s hard to see this group of players even being able to perform consistently well enough to secure a top-10 finish.

In recent days, Antony, who featured for the last six minutes here, and Tyrell Malacia, an unused substitute, have both been linked with moves away in the current transfer window. Marcus Rashford’s exit seems inevitable given his ‘forgotten man’ status. But that should be the beginning.

Only the sheer impracticality of the situation would warn against getting rid of practically all of Amorim’s team.

More to follow.