Ronaldo evokes wasteful Purple Devils to Brighton win however McTominay is poor once more

CRISTIANO RONALDO impressed Manchester United to a vital 2-0 win over Brighton.

The Portuguese ended his objective drought with a robust run and end however did miss two close-range headers to place the sport underneath United’s management.

United struggled within the first half and had been reliant on the counter-attack to create probabilities however extra power and efficient excessive urgent led to the opening objective and a crimson card for Lewis Dunk.

There may be nonetheless a lot for Ralf Rangnick to work on with Bruno Fernandes lacking a straightforward likelihood earlier than he added a second late on however the midfielder was a menace all through and Brighton couldn’t include him.

United’s largest concern stays the midfield with Fred and Scott McTominay responsible of making a gift of possession too continuously.

Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot additionally struggled underneath Brighton’s excessive press at occasions however a resolute defensive show – and a primary clear sheet in 4 video games – gave the Purple Devils three useful factors that take them as much as fourth.

Right here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United show.

David De Gea – 8

Stored United within the recreation with two good first-half saves, significantly the second from Jakub Moder’s header.

Didn’t have a lot to do however helped his probabilities of successful United’s participant of the 12 months award.

Diogo Dalot – 6

Struggled to take care of the Brighton excessive press and lots of of his lengthy balls had been wayward.

However he did maintain Brighton’s left-hand facet comparatively quiet regardless of Anthony Elanga struggling to include the specter of Marc Cucurella.

Victor Lindelof – 6

Allowed Neal Maupay to get the higher of him at occasions when holding the ball up regardless of Lindelof’s bodily benefit.

Harry Maguire – 7

Has been questioned by followers just lately however carried out nicely in Raphael Varane’s absence.

May be criticised for being too sluggish on the ball however this error-free efficiency ought to assist to construct his confidence again up.

Luke Shaw – 5

Like Dalot on the alternative flank he struggled to play out from the again at occasions although the United midfield can be blamed for not offering extra choices.

Bought ahead extra usually as the sport opened up late on however doesn’t appear to be the identical participant who carried out so nicely final season.

Scott McTominay – 4

Yves Bissouma bought the higher of him within the first half however he caught the Brighton midfielder out within the build-up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s key opener.

He’ll at all times fail to supply the creativity United want on the ball nevertheless and the distinction in composure proven between him and Paul Pogba when the Frenchman got here on highlighted the gulf in high quality.

Fred – 5

One other participant who regarded way more vigorous after half-time after carelessly giving the ball away a number of occasions early on.

He’s way more efficient when harrying gamers and wanted to try this from the off – although in equity he has missed latest video games resulting from Covid.

Jadon Sancho – 7

Appeared harmful on the counter-attack however ought to have given United the lead within the opening ten minutes.

Aside from Bruno Fernandes he was essentially the most harmful participant on the pitch and wanted to be given the ball extra usually – however that was United’s drawback all through.

Bruno Fernandes – 8

Tried to get his facet on the entrance foot but it surely was a thankless job at occasions resulting from Brighton’s midfield overwhelming the Purple Devils.

He missed a superb likelihood to place the sport to mattress with 20 mintues to go however redeemed himself when he fired in United’s second which was roughly the final kick of the sport.

The attacking midfielder actually got here alive when the sport was stretched and he put the ball on a plate for Ronaldo to attain just for the no.7 to go huge.

Anthony Elanga – 5

Struggled to get into the match however was up in opposition to a troublesome opponent in Cucurella, who had an excellent recreation.

However he did make an important contribution that allowed United to take management, pinching the ball off Lewis Dunk whose ensuing foul on Elanga led to his dismissal.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 8

Appeared pissed off along with his team-mates but once more after missed probabilities within the first half.

So he took issues into his personal fingers shortly after half-time, taking over a few Brighton defenders earlier than smashing the ball into the underside nook.

However he may have had a hat-trick with two headed probabilities – one was brilliantly saved by Sanchez however the different he flashed huge when he actually ought to have discovered the again of the web.

Subs

Paul Pogba (for Fred, 73)

Made a right away influence off the bench with blocked shot earlier than taking part in in Fernandes with a fantastically weighted go.

Stored possession nicely which was precisely what was wanted, offered a platform for Fernandes to assault seeking the killer second objective which lastly got here within the dying seconds.

Marcus Rashford (for Elanga, 79)

Did not influence the match regardless of the sport opening up and its end-to-end motion suiting his model of play.

Alex Telles (for Sancho, 80)

Was introduced on to tighten up the defence with Rangnick eager to keep away from dropping yet one more lead and did what was requested of him.

⚽ Learn our Soccer Information Stay weblog for breaking information, switch gossip and must-read tales