MANCHESTER United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday after an incredible finale in which Bruno Fernandes struck the winning goal from the penalty spot in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Brighton opened the scoring, a coolly finished Neal Maupay penalty giving the hosts the lead before Lewis Dunk put the ball into his own net to level the scores just before half-time.

Marcus Rashford’s solo goal put United on top, and Brighton thought it had snatched a dramatic late draw thanks to Solly March’s header before Fernandes’ penalty.

While it eventually secured the win, Manchester United lived on the edge, with Brighton hitting the woodwork five times during the game and had one awarded penalty overruled by video assistant referee (VAR) and another potential one waved away by the referee.

“We left so much space for them to play, we were not as aggressive, we gave away two goals,” Fernandes told BT Sport after the game. “We have to do much better.

“Brighton did very well but maybe because we are not aggressive as we want. We need to recover more balls, press better, lose less possession. Maybe they deserved more. The point is score goals not hit the bar. Sometimes you have to have some luck.”

After being surprised by Crystal Palace last week, Manchester United was hoping to make a more positive start on the south of England against Brighton.

But it was the home side who made the brighter sight, as with Leandro Trossard smashing the ball against David de Gea’s left post — the Belgian midfielder would go onto hit the woodwork twice more.

In the opening two games of the season, the woodwork has stopped as many shots for Manchester United’s opponents this season as goalkeeper de Gea.

(SD-Agencies)