Analysis: Brighton

Brighton set up in a 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 in possession. The two central midfielders, Dale Stephens and Davy Propper, would stay close together, looking to control the game in central areas while being well-positioned to prevent an immediate central counter if possession was lost. The width was provided by Anthony Knockaert and Solly March, who would operate much higher than Stephens and Propper. The two strikers, Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray, would play centrally, mixing between playing close together and either side of the two opposing centre-backs.

The Seagulls were patient and comfortable in possession, demonstrating good control of the game in the first half. They focused their attention largely on the wide areas, where they looked to produce crosses to meet the attacking runs of Gross and Murray. The relationship between Gaetan Bong and March on the left side was particularly fruitful, as was evident in the build-up to the first goal. While they displayed intelligence with the ball, which ultimately led to their three goals, it was their out-of-possession work that set them apart from United on the day.

They set up in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation out of possession and delivered a masterclass in how to defend against a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1. Chris Hughton and his coaching team deserve great credit, as every player within the Brighton team knew exactly what their role was, and how and when to execute their responsibility.

In midfield, Knockaert and March would tuck into the second line with Stephens and Propper, forming a unit of four. For large parts of the game, Brighton would allow United to have possession among their back four and with holding midfielder Andreas Pereira, as Gross and Murray would stay close together to prevent passes from going through the middle. It was only when they were close enough to the United player in possession that they would initiate an intense press. Otherwise, they maintained their disciplined and compact shape. When they did press, the co-ordination, organisation and intensity was exceptional.

Every Brighton player was on the front foot, ready to jump to the next player and apply immediate pressure, giving United very little time on the ball. Two key players in this approach were full-backs Bong and Martin Montoya, who had significant distance to cover in reaching the next man if the initial press was beaten. The timing of their movements was excellent in making it very difficult for Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and later Marcus Rashford to turn when they dropped to receive the ball.