Ralf Rangnick will be a content man after a superlative display in the second half and two clinical strikes from two of his most dependable marksmen, Ronaldo and Fernandes put Manchester United back in the winning ways.
It needed a couple of fine saves from De Gea and a resolute stand in the opening half from the combined Manchester United rearguard to keep a probing Brighton at bay before the Portuguese duo put two past the visitors to seal the fate of the game.
After three sloppy outings in the Premier League, Rangnick had reasons to smile as his main man regained his shooting form, running a pirouette past a scrimmage of four Brighton defenders before letting the thunderbolt fly.
Similarly, reasons for him to fret profoundly were also very much extant. Maguire looked decent against a visiting Brighton but the club captain is lightyears away from his sizzling best.
The midfield seemed pretty dull until Rangnick injected Pogba into the mix and the livery of the game changed drastically. Pogba and Fernandes combined brilliantly to carve open multiple chances for the hosts from which United started pegging Brighton back.
United’s next objective will be to bag full points at Elland Road as they collide with an ailing Leeds in less than a day’s time.
Leeds haven’t won in their last three fixtures while United’s win was preceded by one disastrous show after the other. Now with a UCL spot in sight, Rangnick will be hellbent to keep the wheels of the juggernaut rolling.
As Manchester United takes on Leeds, we will be bringing you three players who can standout for the visting Devils.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo could have easily bagged a hattrick if not for his magnanimous giveaways in the final third. However, he switched his playing style and operated more as a withdrawal striker while Rashford and Sancho sprang forth from both wings. His involvement in the midfield witnessed a beautiful chemistry with Bruno that Brighton found very tough to handle. Coming to his goal, Ronaldo wouldn’t need a separate introduction. But it is important to point it out because he was going through a barren spell for the last seven games, a feat that cannot be synced with the Portuguese marksman after his domination throughout the globe. He will be leading the United caravan as it travels to Elland Road seeking amends.
2. Paul Pogba
Ever since his return from the injury, Pogba has been in blazing form, supervising the midfield almost single-handedly. His deft first touches, his clinical long balls and the midfield masterstrokes that has allowed Sancho and Rashford to bomb down the wings before floating in those scouring crosses and passes, has been Manchester United’s life saver. Pogba will continue to drive United’s attacking salvo as they take on an ailing Leeds United.
3. David de Gea
Manchester United has struggled vehemently in this season and the man who has still managed to keep them afloat in the top four has been a superhuman called David de Gea. A terrific customer under the woodwork, a man with lightning-fast reflexes and a leader, rallying United from the back, the Flying Spaniard continues to belt forth one knockout display after the other. He will once again be United’s last guard of the citadel as he takes forth the battery to Leeds United in the latter’s backyard.
