Brighton Vs Manu

Manchester United's Premier League Hopes Dwindle After Brighton Defeat

March's Missed Penalty Proves Costly as Red Devils Fall in Shootout

Brighton 1-0 Manchester United (5-3 on penalties)

Brighton & Hove Albion secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, dealing a significant blow to the Red Devils' top-four aspirations.

Solly March's miss from the spot in normal time proved costly for Brighton, as United eventually prevailed in the shootout 5-3. David de Gea saved Anthony Elanga's effort to seal the win for the home side.

The result leaves United eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with just six games remaining. It is a major setback for Erik ten Hag's side, who had been hoping to challenge for a Champions League spot.

Brighton, meanwhile, move up to ninth in the table with the victory. They have now won four of their last five matches and look well-placed to secure a top-half finish.

The match had been evenly contested throughout, with both sides having chances to win. Brighton took the lead in the 49th minute when March fired home from close range.

United pushed for an equalizer, but they were unable to find a way past Brighton's resolute defense. Substitute Marcus Rashford had a great chance to level the scores late on, but his shot was well saved by Robert Sanchez.

The match went to penalties, and it was Brighton who held their nerve. De Gea saved Elanga's effort, and Neal Maupay converted the winning spot-kick to send the home crowd into raptures.

The defeat is a major setback for United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. They now face an uphill battle to finish in the top four, and they will need to win all of their remaining games to have a chance.