Manchester United couldn’t make it consecutive home wins, with Brighton proving to be a nightmare again for them as they lost 3-1 at Old Trafford.

It was the worst possible start for Man Utd as Mitoma was caught napping by Mazraoui in behind, crossing for Minteh to score in the first five minutes.

Despite the referee’s hardest reluctance to give anything for United, he eventually had to concede and give a penalty after plenty of thought, which Fernandes converted to draw United level.

There was more VAR drama in the second half but United were on the positive side of it for once, with a kick on Dalot leading to Brighton’s goal getting chalked off.

Mitoma, however, scored soon after as he got the better of Mazraoui all game. Onana then served them a third on a platter after he spilled a routine cross straight into Rutter’s path.

That ended United’s chances in the game as they huffed and puffed late on to no avail.

Here are five things learned from Manchester United’s win against Southampton:

Ruben Amorim needs to break a promise
Amorim promised that he’s never complained about the referees in his career and he isn’t going to start doing that at Old Trafford but it’s reaching egregious levels now.

The referee on the day Peter Bankes, looked determined to not give anything for United. Forget the marginal decisions, even a stonewall call like the penalty took him ages to take a call on.

Minteh shouldn’t even have been on the pitch for the second half when he assisted Mitoma. Same can be said for Baleba for his foul on Zirkzee.

These things might level out over the course of the season, but the pendulum is wildly on the “against” side this season so far.

Amorim might have to break that promise to try and set that narrative straight.

Amad at the heart of all good things for Man Utd
This might as well become a a constant for every game’s “Five things learned” but Amad was once again at the heart of all good things.

United struggled against a compact block but he beat his man off the dribble to create chances, pressed hard to manufacture United’s first-half penalty and was an all-around nuisance.

He’s attracting the opposition attention due to his increased profile now and he’s using that wisely to create space for his teammates.

The MVP of this side.

Manchester United’s ideal wing-back played for Brighton
Ruben Amorim wants dynamism and dual-threat from his wing-backs, something that defensive-minded Dalot and Mazraoui haven’t been able to provide.

He would have seen Yankuba Minteh’s engine and threat and marked him out as a player who is the deal wing-back for United.

Minteh scored Brighton’s opener but more than that, was full of running and cut out multiple United attacks through last-ditch interceptions.

Minteh is not going to be available any time soon for a palatable fee, but his display provided the blueprint for how Amorim wants his wing-backs to play.

Noussair Mazraoui feeling the heat
Mazraoui has inarguably been the most impressive summer signing, especially relative to the transfer fee but he seems to be hitting a wall in recent games.

Once pegged as injury-prone, he has been ever-present for United and perhaps that workload is finally showing in lethargic performances.

Mitoma had him on toast all game and he was arguably at fault for both goals. Unfortunately, United don’t have numbers there to rest him.

The Moroccan has had a thankless job and still made the best of it but he’s finally feeling the effects.

A season of attrition
Amorim had already conceded that United will continue to be up and down throughout the season and the same has been on display in the last two games.

There were no single-man heroics to salvage this game and Brighton were value for their win, even though the referee tried his hardest to ensure that happened.

The aim has to be to do just enough to avoid any scares in the Premier League and turn up for the Europa League.

The season is a write-off and more painful results are on the horizon. Short-term pain for (hopefully) long-term gain.