Brighton & Hove Albion Beat Manchester United, Secure EPL Spot for Next Season

Pascal Gross scored the only goal in Brighton & Hove Albion's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Friday. With the result, the Seagulls have now assured a spot in next year's Premier League. 

Brighton were the better side for much of Friday's contest, as United came out flat and didn't threaten goalkeeper Mathew Ryan all that much. Manager Jose Mourinho opted to rest a number of regular starters, keeping some key men healthy ahead of the FA Cup Final on May 19.

Here are Friday's key takeaways.

Rashford, Martial Running Out of Time

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were both given the opportunity to prove themselves Friday, as Mourinho rotated the squad and gave Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard some rest.

Both fell well short of the fans' expectations, however, with Rashford having the worst outing of the two. His struggles were perfectly illustrated when he failed to cut the ball back for Martial for what would almost certainly have been the opening goal. Bleacher Report's Dean Jones was not impressed:

Per WhoScored.com, the bulk of Rashford's appearances have come off the bench, and he's often been pushed out wide even though he's a better fit in the middle. Both he and Martial have seen their playing time take a hit since Sanchez arrived in January, and more reinforcements are expected in the summer.

There have been plenty of reports linking Martial with a transfer, including a recent one from Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times. Outings like the one we saw Friday explain why, and for both Rashford and Martial, there may not be much of a future at the club if they can't turn things around in a hurry.

Fellaini Was Right

Plenty of United fans were livid earlier this week after quotes from Fellaini regarding his contract situation emerged. The Belgian gave an interview to Sport Voetbal Magazine (h/t Sky Sports' Zinny Boswell) and didn't mince his words, saying club officials knew they made a mistake not extending him last year and he has leverage in the talks now.

Fans and pundits alike openly mocked the former Everton man, including The Sun's Neil Custis:

Not only did Mourinho not punish the midfielder for his comments; he started him just a few days later. Fellaini remains a favourite of the tactician, and he was spot-on with his analysis in his interview. The 30-year-old didn't talk himself out of his job―he's most likely going to get that new deal, and he knows it.

Technology to the Rescue

Gross' opening goal was nearly cleared off the line by Chris Smalling, but a quick glance at instant replay confirmed the ball had crossed the line. As shared by sportswriter Simon Stone, there was little fuss preceding the decision, as the players know and trust the goal line technology used today:

VAR may not be at that point yet, and certain decisions will always be controversial or up for debate. But in situations like this one, there's no denying technology helps the game.

Lack of Creativity a Major Issue for United

Mourinho may have rested some of his top creative options Friday, and the players who did go out Friday had little left to play for, but it was hard to ignore the lack of creativity in the side, regardless.

The Red Devils need to prioritise creativity this summer, and not just in players expected to start. United currently lack options who can provide a spark off the bench, and when the likes of Paul Pogba and Sanchez don't play, they need someone who can step up in their place. Injuries and suspensions are bound to happen, and in their current form, United do not have the necessary replacements.

Murray Should not go to Russia

Brighton's Glenn Murray had his moments Friday and came close to scoring in the first half, with David De Gea making a stunning save. Sport Witness were glad about that:

The 34-year-old has been one of the league's best feel-good stories this season, but he fell short against a United defence that was far from full strength. There will be far better defenders at the World Cup, and Murray has no business going.

What's Next

The Red Devils visit West Ham United on Thursday, while Brighton take on Manchester City on Wednesday.