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Where does the Brighton loss rank among United's worst defeats under Mourinho?

Gareth Fuller - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

On the heels of an encouraging win to open the season, Manchester United suffered an embarrassing defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

Despite the numerous accolades he's accumulated over his illustrious career, Jose Mourinho has reluctantly become accustomed to such results with increasing consistency since taking charge at United.

Here's a look at where Sunday's loss ranks among United's worst under Mourinho:

8. Brighton 1-0 United: May 4, 2018 (Premier League)

Attempts to prevent Manchester City from winning the title were a thing of the past when Mourinho's men arrived at Falmer Stadium in May. But that didn't stop the 55-year-old from laying into his players after United suffered their first loss to Brighton since 1982.

Mourinho branded his side as "not good enough," before placing the blame on the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and other fringe players on the Red Devils.

7. Watford 3-1 United: Sept. 18, 2016 (PL)

The encouraging start to life under Mourinho didn't last long, as United followed up its flawless opening month with a week to forget in September of 2016.

After suffering defeats to Manchester City and Feyenoord, United ended the week in humiliating fashion with an away loss to Watford. It was the first time in over a decade in which Mourinho was on the losing end of three consecutive matches.

6. Brighton 3-2 United: Aug. 19, 2018 (PL)

A clash with Manchester United was seemingly the remedy that Brighton needed after Chris Hughton's men managed just one shot on target in an opening-match loss to Watford.

Brighton's early advantage never appeared to be in danger after an opening 27 minutes that saw the hosts take a commanding 2-0 lead before holding off the Red Devils to win 3-2.

5. United 1-2 Manchester City: Dec. 10, 2017 (PL)

The loss to Manchester City in the first derby of the 2017-18 campaign was hardly a surprise considering United's rivals entered the match with a perfect record through 15 games. But it was the manner in which City won the match that likely annoyed Mourinho, as the Blues dissected and toyed with United to record a 2-1 win, a scoreline which flattered the hosts' uninspired performance.

4. United 1-2 Sevilla: March 13, 2018 (Champions League, round of 16, 2nd leg)

United was 16 minutes away from a berth in the Champions League quarterfinals before Mourinho's cautious approach saw Sevilla leave Old Trafford with a victory. After a scoreless first leg in Spain, Wissam Ben Yedder's brace was the difference for a Sevilla outfit that recorded 25 shots to United's six.

3. Bristol City 2-1 United: Dec. 20 2017 (League Cup quarterfinal)

A seemingly comfortable pairing with Bristol City ended in disaster when the Championship team stunned Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the League Cup. Korey Smith's stoppage-time goal ended United's title defense, as Bristol recorded their fourth win over a Premier League opponent. They were knocked out in the semifinals against the eventual winners Manchester City.

2. Chelsea 4-0 United: Oct. 23 2016 (PL)

Mourinho's first match at Stamford Bridge as Manchester United's manager was one to forget. Just over a year after guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title, Mourinho, who was fired halfway through the 2015-16 season, suffered one of the heaviest defeats of his career when the Blues recorded a decisive win to mark their former manager's return.

1. United 0-1 West Brom: April 15, 2018 (PL)

Manchester United's joy at preventing Manchester City from winning the Premier League in April was followed by sheer misery a week later.

After overturning a two-goal deficit to stun City at the Etihad Stadium, United looked certain to keep the title celebrations at bay in their next match against Premier League basement dwellers West Bromwich Albion. Yet, United's performance at Old Trafford was nothing short of dreadful as Mourinho's side handed the title to City after the resurgent Baggies secured a 1-0 win to keep their slim hopes of Premier League survival alive - their relegation to the Championship was eventually confirmed on the final day of the season.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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