Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton at Old Trafford.
After a flat first half by Ralf Rangnick’s side, a moment of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock at the Theatre of Dreams.
Shortly after Ronaldo’s goal, Brighton’s captain Lewis Dunk was sent off, following a VAR check after pulling back Anthony Elanga.
Graham Potter’s side threatened to punish United’s wastefulness in front of goal with Jakub Moder hitting the bar and Danny Welbeck missing the target with a header.
Following a quick Paul Pogba free-kick, Bruno Fernandes scored United’s second in the dying seconds.
Here were United’s three best players in what was a crucial three points for the Red Devils…
David de Gea
United didn’t look at the races in the first half and at times Brighton looked a little perplexed at how easily they were able to stroll around the Theatre of Dreams.
Brighton midfielder Moder still hasn’t scored in the Premier League and he did everything but find the back of the net at Old Trafford tonight.
Inside the opening stages, the Polish international forced de Gea into a smart save at his near post.
But it was de Gea’s second stop to deny the 22-year-old which proved to be pivotal in United gaining the win.
United’s number one tipped Moder’s powerful goal-bound effort around the post like it was nothing.
It was yet another piece of Spanish brilliance from our saviour. If the Seagulls had taken the lead then the murmurs of discontent and unrest flying around Old Trafford would have got louder and louder.
But yet again de Gea delivered another big moment to bail United out.
Bruno Fernandes
Just like against Middlesbrough, Fernandes missed a glorious chance when the goal was at his mercy.
But United’s number 18 wasn’t going to be denied against Graham Potter’s side.
Fernandes produced a tireless all-action display which was finally rewarded with the goal his performance thoroughly deserved.
After being played in on goal by Pogba, Fernandes showed great composure to slot the ball past Robert Sanchez to put the three points beyond doubt.
Our Portuguese ‘Magnifico’ finished the game with 78 touches and five chances created.
Cristiano Ronaldo
So often in his career when Cristiano Ronaldo has been questioned, he produces a comprehensive response which silences the doubters.
The great Portuguese wasn’t at his clinical best and on another day he could have scored a hat-trick, but his strike to break the deadlock was a timely reminder of the world class talent he still possesses at the age of 37.
Before Ronaldo’s moment of brilliance, United were seemingly sleepwalking through another troublesome evening.
But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner smashed the ball into the bottom corner to bring Old Trafford to life.
United’s number seven is off the mark in 2022 and has ended his worst goalscoring drought since 2009.
That can only spell trouble for the likes of Leeds and Atletico Madrid who Ronaldo will already have in his sights.
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