Marc Skinner's United side lost their perfect record this season as England international Toone was outshone by former team-mate Parris
Manchester United's 100 per cent start in the Women's Super League came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Brighton.
The Red Devils, who hadn't conceded a WSL goal this season, deservedly took the lead in the 10th minute as Celin Bizet's teasing cross into the six-yard box was stabbed home by Grace Clinton. The 21-year-old then hit the bar with a curling effort from just inside the box, before Hinata Miyazawa was denied by goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley on the rebound.
But the visitors were made to pay for not pressing home their advantage as Maisie Symonds' powerful drive towards goal was nodded in by Nikita Parris – who joined the Seagulls from United last month – seven minutes after the break.
Brighton were the better team for long periods of the second half and nearly won it through former Chelsea star Fran Kirby but goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce showed there is life after Mary Earps. At the time of writing, both teams are top of the table by goal difference.
GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Amex, where a record crowd of more than 8,000 were in attendance.
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (8/10):
In contrast to a busy match last time out, the American had little to do in the first half, bar making a stunning fingertip save to keep out Haley's goal-bound effort. Made a vital stop to deny Kirby's fierce strike late on.
Celin Bizet (7/10):
For the second game running, bagged an excellent assist for a team-mate with a dangerous cross into the box. Showed good pace getting forward, too, but struggled at times with physical and athletic substitute Michelle Agyemang.
Maya Le Tissier (8/10):
Looked very composed against her old side and made some excellent sliding tackles to avert the danger. A class act at the back.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Didn't look as solid as her centre-back partner but made some decent clearances when required.
Gabby George (6/10):
Was given the tough task of trying to keep Fran Kirby under wraps but the Brighton player arguably just won this battle.
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Lisa Naalsund (7/10):
Got stuck into Brighton and showed some good, driving runs from the centre of the park. She was the one who looked most likely to kickstart United's midfield.
Ella Toone (6/10):
Once again, seemed to have a fairly quiet afternoon when her team needed the England international to stamp her authority on the game. Was hooked off near the end.
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Like Toone, didn't have her best game as Brighton's midfield matched the Red Devils for much of the contest.
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Grace Clinton (7/10):
Showed bravery to beat keeper Baggaley to Bizet's dipping cross and was so unlucky not to grab a second when her effort cannoned off the bar. Her effectiveness significantly waned, though, as Brighton gained the upper hand as the match wore on.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
Was busy and hassled Brighton's defence but she didn't quite have her shooting boots on. Her touch let her down, too.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Came in for Leah Galton and was a threat right from the off. Nearly grabbed a brace inside the opening 15 minutes, only to be well kept out by Baggaley in the Brighton goal. Her movement caused problems but she couldn't get the goal she craved.
AFPSubs & Manager
Aoife Mannion (7/10):
Added a bit more defensive solidity when she came on.
Simi Awujo (7/10):
Added more directness and physicality when she came on in the second half.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
The super sub was brought on in second-half stoppage time but didn't have enough time to make an impact.
Marc Skinner (6/10):
His team started like a house on fire and could, and perhaps should, have been several goals to the good. However, they started the second half slowly, were punished, and then didn't really recover from that. His substitutes were made a little too late as well.