Manchester United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dealt a blow as Brighton scored a last-minute penalty to secure a thrilling victory and keep their own European ambitions alive.

Alexis Mac Allister converted the penalty in the 99th minute to settle the game in a dramatic fashion.

Despite still holding the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, Manchester United are now just four points ahead of Liverpool, who are in fifth place and have played two more games than them.

Brighton's relentless approach finally paid off in the end after Luke Shaw handled the ball, leading to a penalty awarded after a video assistant referee review.

Brighton, currently in sixth place, are now only four points behind Liverpool, and their celebrations at the final whistle contrasted sharply with their defeat by Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley less than two weeks ago.

Both teams had chances in the game, with Antony having a shot go wide for United in the opening seconds, while Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial forced Brighton keeper Jason Steele into crucial saves.

Brighton, buoyed by their recent 6-0 victory over Wolves, played with the flair and energy that has become their hallmark. Kaoru Mitoma missed a couple of good chances, while Danny Welbeck was also unable to convert a promising opening.

In stoppage time, Brighton piled on the pressure, with David de Gea making impressive saves from Mac Allister and Pervis Etupinan, before the winning penalty was finally converted.