Albion fan Colin Beales enjoyed one of the great Albion awaydays thanks to the help of club staff.

The travel-anywhere Seagulls diehard broke his ankle recently on a trip to watch Union St-Gilloise in Belgium.

But he was still able to attend the sensational 3-1 win at Old Trafford.

Here, four long-time fans give their thoughts on the game – and Colin thanks those who made his presence possible.

1. What were your thoughts on Albion’s performance at Old Trafford?

Colin Beales: Having just broken my ankle I could only make the game thanks to our awesome supporters’ services team and their flexibility in swapping me to an accessible seat. They gave me a chance to witness yet another astounding Man Utd win where we seemingly rested some for Europe but still ended up deserved winners. This is the first time United lost at Old Trafford since September, 2022. They'll be glad they don't have to play us again for a while.

Tim Ayling: Apart from the first 20 minutes, another dominant performance. Our first XI cost less than £20 million, so for that team to beat Man Utd so easily is unbelievable really. Outstanding.

Alan Brownings: A fantastic performance and beginning to the week that sets us off on the road to Europe. Who would have thought it? Winning away to Man United and then home to AEK.

James Heasman: Another great display and tactical masterclass by De Zerbi. We are a fantastic team to watch and, although United looked dangerous initially, we contained them really well and played around their ‘press’. Hopefully, the so-called pundits realise these results are not due to our opponents underperforming, but due to the outstanding performances of the greatest ever Brighton squad.

2. Who stood out for the Seagulls?

Colin Beales: I've two players that I think deserve special credit. Firstly, Tariq Lamptey was brilliant and showed moments of the Tariq of old that fans have been longing would come back post injury. The other player is Pascal Gross. Getting a goal against United for him is as sure as taxes, but his overall play throughout was sublime. No wonder the national side had to take note.

Tim Ayling: It was one of those games where the team performance stood out more than any individual. It was great to see Lamptey back, the two centre halves were giants, and of course Pascal ran the show. But really every single one of them contributed.

Alan Brownings: Lamptey had a solid first game back, was involved in two of the goals and provided another option. Just needs to get some confidence back and take his player on when one-on-one out wide.

James Heasman: It feels this gets more difficult every week! Great to see Lamptey playing well, Adingra also did well, particularly tracking back, and Van Hecke impressed. My player of the match though was Pascal Gross, effortless brilliance. Calm in possession, great decision making.

3. How surprised and then impressed were you with the team selection?

Colin Beales: I certainly was shocked with so many changes, but the depth now in this squad is fantastic, it’s so great to see so many step up when called upon and just slot into playing at the highest level.

Tim Ayling: Nothing surprises me with De Zerbi. He clearly feels he needs Mitoma, Dunk and Gross in the team but it was noticeable that they were the only players who had played international football during the break who started. We were much fresher than United. Now we can bring back the rest for the AEK match on Thursday.

Alan Brownings: Very surprised. All around me speculated that, on paper at least, it was the weakest team De Zerbi had fielded this season. We won 3-1, obviously!

James Heasman: Very. I must admit to being concerned when I didn’t see Pervis or Solly, but Roberto clearly knows best! We look a much better team defensively when Veltman plays, and every player clearly understands what is expected.