Twitter explodes as Brighton shock Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United with historic 2-1 win at Old Trafford

Manchester United stumbled to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion with Cristiano Ronaldo having started on the bench in the side's season opener.

All eyes were on how United would fare without a recognized centre-forward in an intriguing line-up selected by Erik ten Hag.

Wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen to start on the substitutes bench.

This meant the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen would be required to form a shifting attack.

It was Brighton's attack that looked the more threatening throughout the first half despite an early glaring opportunity for Fernandes in the sixth minute.

Graham Potter's side would take a deserved lead in the 29th minute through Pascal Gross, which stunned United fans.

Danny Welbeck's cross was tapped in from close range by the German and an all too familiar feeling crept around Old Trafford.

Nine minutes later, Gross grabbed a second with Manchester United looking shellshocked defensively.

The Seagulls' pressure was becoming all too much for United defenders to deal with.

Erik ten Hag must have gotten into his players at half-time because it was a better showing from the Red Devils in the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced early in the second half but failed to stamp his mark on the game.

United earned a scrappy goal back to give themselves hope in the 68th minute.

The ball bounced around the Brighton box following a corner and ended up deflecting in off Alexis Mac Allister.

Ten Hag's side continued to attack but couldn't find the all-important equalizer with the Seagulls claiming a famous Old Trafford victory.

Brighton deserved all three points but United fans are less than impressed. Here are some reactions from Twitter:

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Same old mistakes for Manchester United with Cristiano Ronaldo pondering his future

Manchester United fans would have been enthused by their pre-season performances.

A 4-0 demolition of Liverpool at the very start, coinciding with a specific posession-based style of play, excited Old Trafford fans.

But today's showing against Brighton has brought back all the negativity that surrounded the 13-time Premier League winners throughout last season.

Scott McTominay and Fred's midfield partnership is beginning to tire United fans and rightfully so on the basis of today's performances.

McTominay could have seen red for a reckless first-half challenge and Fred was chasing shadows throughout.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure on the bench and failed to make a mark on the pitch. With a few weeks still left in the transfer window, he will be pondering about his future at the club.