Talking Points after United's defeat in Brighton

The home side were awarded a spot-kick in stoppage time, following a VAR check, after Luke Shaw was judged to have handled the ball while attempting to clear a corner. 

Alexis Mac Allister stepped up to find the top corner and win all three points for the Seagulls, in a cruel ending to a hard-fought battle on the south coast, for United. 

Here are six of the main talking points after the final whistle in Sussex...

THE SEAGULLS CLAIM REVENGE 

After United's day to remember in the FA Cup semi-final between the sides 11 days ago, this time it was Brighton and their fans who enjoyed the post-match celebrations, at the Amex Stadium. The concept of revenge was referenced regularly in the fixture's build-up, and the Seagulls ended up snatching it in the final seconds of the contest. The goal coming so late may have made it even sweeter for those cheering on the team in blue and white, and, in turn, all the more difficult to take for Erik ten Hag and co.

PENALTY DECIDER

Just as it was at Wembley, this fixture was also to be decided from the penalty spot, albeit in slightly different fashion. This time, it was just the one kick to decide it all, as opposed to the 14 taken at the national stadium last month. Mac Allister - who scored in the semi-final shootout - made no mistake again, sending the Brighton fans home happy this time around.

DE GEA CLIMBS APPEARANCE LIST

While personal milestones after a tough result provide little consolation, David De Gea continued to write United history on Thursday evening, going joint-seventh on our all-time appearances list. He goes level with 1968 European Cup-winning shot-stopper Alex Stepney following his 539th outing for the Reds, meaning no goalkeeper has ever represented the club more times than David. He could go outright seventh during Sunday's trip to West Ham.

FRED BRINGS THE FIGHT

The Brazilian's inclusion - in place of Christian Eriksen - was the only change from the United XI that lined up at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final against the Seagulls. In that last-four meeting, it was notable how much of the ball Roberto De Zerbi's possession-based side had, and it is likely Ten Hag will have wanted to thwart as much of that threat as possible by bringing the tenacious midfielder in from the off this time around. Our no.17 brought intensity across his 76-minute showing, and was key to helping United win the ball in a compact midfield area. While having a role there, Fred was also tasked with helping to lead the press, and therefore regularly closed down Brighton keeper Jason Steele, as we attempted to halt Brighton's tact to build up slowly from the back.

THE TOP-FOUR PICTURE

The late loss means the Reds stay fourth in the Premier League and miss the chance to leapfrog Newcastle United into third. The Magpies therefore stay two point above us, and we have now each played 33 games. The gap back to Liverpool in fifth, outside the Champions League qualification spots, remains four points, while Brighton have climbed up to sixth, four points below the Merseyside club and with a game in hand on United. Tottenham and Villa are a point behind the Seagulls, in seventh and eighth respectively.

SUPPORT IN SUSSEX

The final word of the evening has to go to our travelling contingent that were situated at the south end of the ground. United's fans were in fine voice from minute one, but were ultimately helpless as the toughest of finishes played out at the other end. The Reds showed their appreciation after the final whistle, and while that will have been appreciated, it will likely prove little consolation on a tough night. Rest assured, however, we can expect Ten Hag's side will have another vocal following when we go to West Ham on Sunday, as is testament to our loyal support.