How on earth did Albion lose this match against Manchester United?

Actually, how did they not win it?

Five efforts against the woodwork and a penalty decision reversed when it probably should not have been start to tell the story.

As does not taking some presentable chances they created.

But it is the end-of-match drama which handed United a 3-2 win which will be shown in video clips around the world.

United took the points from a Bruno Fernandes penalty awarded after the full-time whistle had blown.

Crucially, the incident for which it was given was maybe one second before play concluded.

Harry Maguire’s header flicked off what looked like the wrist of Neal Maupay, whose arm was out in the motion of jumping just ahead of the United defender while trying to clear a corner.

Players converged on the officials and referee Chris Kavanagh was invited to review the incident.

A penalty was awarded and Fernandes found the top corner before the players walked off again.

That was cruel on Albion – and just topped off the early afternoon for a home team who were fabulous for much of the contest.

HOW WE REPORTED THE DRAMA AS IT HAPPENED

Leandro Trossard hit the woodwork three times, March and Adam Webster once apiece.

Was there even a push by Maguire on Lewis Dunk for the goal which cancelled out Maupay’s 40th-minute Panenka-style penalty?

When Marcus Rashford put United 2-1 up, they seemed set to go on and control.

But Albion’s response was magnificent and they deserved the equaliser headed home by March in added time.

That too would have been deserved reward for the Hailsham wideman.

VOTE: WHO WAS YOUR ALBION MAN OF THE MATCH?

But it was all snatched away deep, deep, deep into the five added minutes in scenes which will be replayed and debated all weekend.

There will be huge positives and reasons for encouragement for Albion - and things to work on, of course.

But it will take some time for the disappointment to ease.