Brighton secure European place despite heavy defeat by Man Utd as Fernandes sets new assist record

Much had to align for Brighton to break into the top six on the final day, yet their composed start in the scorching heat demonstrated their belief in fulfilling their part of the equation.

Crafting opportunities proved difficult against a resolute United defence, with the hosts' most promising moment in the first 20 minutes arriving when Maxim De Cuyper vanuit the left and bent a shot narrowly past the far post.

United waited until the 33rd minute to attempt their first shot, but they made it count and opened the scoring.

Patrick Dorgu's return to the starting lineup for the first time since January was marked by a third goal in as many starts from the Dane, who nodded in Fernandes' corner via the crossbar, elevating the Red Devils captain to 21 Premier League assists this season, a new outright competition record.

The game's momentum shifted entirely after that goal, with the visitors nearly adding a second immediately as Luke Shaw's effort whizzed just wide.

Fabian Hurzeler's side struggled to regain their composure despite weathering that storm and were undone again in spectacular fashion just before half-time.

Amad Diallo found Mason Mount, who reciprocated by playing the Ivorian through down the inside right channel, and he squared for Bryan Mbeumo to tap in his second goal in as many games, also marking a career-high ninth Premier League goal involvement for the Cameroonian against Brighton.

The Seagulls were booed off at the interval, and the home supporters' frustration only deepened after the restart.

Dorgu evaded the offside trap to collect Amad's pass and laid it off for the overlapping Fernandes, who blasted home United's third of the day.

Brighton were left reeling, and only a series of sharp saves from Bart Verbruggen stopped the rampant Dorgu and Amad from extending the visitors' lead further.

Although Diego Gomez guided a low effort wide, the Seagulls rarely troubled Senne Lammens on a profoundly disappointing afternoon.

Back-to-back losses without scoring condemn Brighton to the UEFA Conference League next season, with this marking only their third defeat in nine Premier League encounters with the visitors.

United, meanwhile, saw Leny Yoro strike the bar late on as they headed into the summer following five wins in six matches and a 24th final-day victory, a feat only Arsenal have surpassed in league history.