Brighton clinch European spot despite Man Utd thrashing as Fernandes breaks assist record

Brighton needed several factors to align for a top-six finish on the final day, yet their composed start in the sweltering heat demonstrated their belief in delivering their part of the equation.

Breaking down a resolute United defence proved challenging, with the hosts' closest opportunity in the first 20 minutes seeing Maxim De Cuyper drift in from the left before curling narrowly past the far post.

United waited until the 33rd minute for their first attempt, but it proved decisive as they opened the scoring.

Patrick Dorgu, making his first start since January, marked his return with a third goal in three starts, nodding in Fernandes' corner via the crossbar's underside. This assist took the Red Devils' skipper to 21 Premier League assists this season, setting a new competition record.

The goal shifted the game's momentum entirely, with the visitors almost doubling their lead moments later as Luke Shaw's fierce strike whistled just wide.

Fabian Hurzeler's side struggled to regain their footing despite surviving that scare and were undone again in spectacular fashion just before halftime.

Amad Diallo linked up with Mason Mount, who returned the ball to the Ivorian down the right channel. Diallo then squared for Bryan Mbeumo to tap home his second goal in two games, marking a personal best of nine Premier League goal contributions against Brighton for the Cameroonian.

The Seagulls were booed off at halftime, and the home crowd's frustration grew after the break.

Dorgu evaded the offside trap to collect Amad's pass before laying it off for the advancing Fernandes to thunder in United's third of the day.

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

Though Diego Gomez fired a low effort wide, the Seagulls rarely tested Senne Lammens on a deeply disappointing afternoon.

Back-to-back defeats without scoring mean Brighton will compete in the UEFA Conference League next season, with this being just their third loss in nine Premier League encounters against United.

Meanwhile, United saw Leny Yoro strike the bar late on as they ended the campaign with five wins in six matches and a record 24th final-day victory, a feat only surpassed by Arsenal in league history.