Manchester United fell to a miserable defeat this afternoon as Brighton comfortably saw off a lacklustre performance from Jose Mourinho's men.

The Red Devils looked well short of a team capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League table, and after a summer of discontent at Old Trafford, it's clear to see that Jose Mourinho's complaints about a lack of signings had some justification.

Here at the Transfer Tavern, we simply can't believe that United allowed their rivals City to snap up a talent like Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez.

The Algerian - a club record buy for City - has moved to the Etihad to further enhance a squad already enriched with talent, and it is simply amazing that United were never apparently close to agreeing a deal for Mahrez.

The Red Devils, as evidenced today, looked one dimensional in attack, and do not seem to have that midfield player who can turn on a bit of magic with regards to beating his man and producing a special moment out of nothing.

Mahrez could have been that man. A player not guaranteed to play at City, but someone who could have helped United to success, it really is a missed chance by the Old Trafford club.

There is a long season ahead, but it already looks like City are the ones to beat, and Mahrez could well end up having the last laugh come May 2019.

United fans, what do you think? Should you have moved for Mahrez? Let us know!