The healthy dramatically changed complexion early within the 2d 1/2, with Ronaldo scoring his first goal in 2022 earlier than Lewis Dunk become despatched off three mins later. But the house side wasted probabilities to double their lead until Bruno Fernandes sealed the factors deep into stoppage time.
Ralf Rangnick's crew had obtained the dangerous habit of squandering leads, losing important points towards lowly Burnley and Southampton and also exiting the FA Cup. United have struggled to discover consistency and fluency below their German meantime manager and again didn't impose themselves towards Brighton in a flat atmosphere at Old Trafford.
Anthony Elanga and Fred got here into the starting line-up for Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, with Raphael Varane also missing out due to contamination. Jadon Sancho became denied early on, but the hosts created precious little as Brighton managed the game, enjoying nearly 60 percent of ownership in the first 1/2. David de Gea was compelled right into a mind-blowing store to maintain out a Jakub Moder header. The 1/2-time whistle drew boos from a annoyed home crowd, with United fortunate to be stage at zero-zero.
United took the lead within the 51st minute when Scott McTominay tackled Yves Bissouma and the ball broke to Ronaldo, who darted forwards, cutting past Adam Webster and firing past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from the threshold of the field. Things were given even higher for United soon after as Elanga's tempo stuck out Dunk, who delivered down the teen 25 yards out. Referee Peter Bankes showed a yellow card to the Brighton captain, simplest to change it to pink after reviewing the foul on the recommendation of the video assistant referee.
United, who had lost first-half of leads in 3 consecutive suits in all competitions, had been now on pinnacle however they failed to force home their advantage. They nearly paid for their profligacy whilst Moder beat De Gea however noticed his shot cannon back off the crossbar in the 78th minute. Former United player Danny Welbeck flashed a late header just excessive as the home side breathed a sigh of comfort.
United had a nervy end to the game however wrapped up the victory inside the 97th minute. Substitute Pogba took a brief free-kick and Fernandes accrued the ball inside his very own half and raced ahead earlier than firing home.
The three factors elevate United into the fourth Champions League qualification spot, two factors ahead of West Ham and 4 behind 0.33-placed Chelsea, who've a recreation in hand. Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham also are within striking distance of the top 4 and all have video games in hand.
