Hurzeler’s players showed scant regard for lofty reputations. There was an unmistakable air of opportunity knocking off the back of a restorative 4-0 win at Norwich in the FA Cup and a 2-0 victory at Ipswich on Thursday, which ended eight matches without a win in the league — including six draws.

Manchester United slumped to another home loss to a Brighton team struggling for results, and the most damning aspect is everyone simply expected it.

But Ferguson and the others had barely reached their seats before Brighton took the lead less than five minutes in. It was all too easy as Carlos Baleba floated a ball over to put