Manchester United vs Brighton | Player Ratings for the Red Devils

Despite a questionable performance, a vital result against Brighton saw Manchester United register their first win in three Premier League outings on Tuesday. While many expected the Red Devils to falter, a crucial three points meant that Ralf Rangnick’s side remain in the race for top-four as they look ahead to gaining consistent results over the remainder of the campaign.

Although United struggled to dominate the visitors throughout the first half, a moment of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured the Red Devils broke the deadlock within six minutes into the second half of the game. A decisive red card booking for Brighton’s Lewis Dunk catalysed the home side’s increasing dominance, with Bruno Fernandes having doubled United’s lead following a well-deserved goal in stoppage time.

Given the inconsistent performance of Manchester United in recent weeks, Rangnick will be keen on improving on the positives against Brighton over the coming weeks. With the race for the top-four set to grow increasingly competitive, the Red Devils will be looking to maximise their potential heading into a pivotal phase of the campaign.

Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 7/10: Having accounted for a few crucial saves during the first half, De Gea remained a reliable presence between the sticks on Tuesday. With the team looking vulnerable in defence, the Spaniard will be hoping to maintain his excellent form until the end of the campaign.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 6/10: Despite failing to provide adequate support on the right flank, Dalot delivered a reasonable performance against the Seagulls. However, given a demanding schedule of fixtures over the coming weeks, the full-back will be keen on regaining his best form.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 6/10: A last-minute replacement for Raphael Varane, Lindelof delivered a composed performance at Old Trafford. With room for rotation in his position, the Swedish centre-back will be keen on taking his opportunity and retaining his place in the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – 6/10: Despite a few hiccups, Maguire delivered a relatively mature performance on Tuesday. Although still unconvincing on the pitch, the centre-back is likely to retain his place in the first team. Moreover, he will be keen on regaining his top form for the upcoming fixtures.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 6/10: Despite being an energetic presence on the flanks, Shaw failed to deliver an impactful performance against Graham Potter’s men. With Alex Telles back in contention, the English full-back will be keen on finding his best form over the coming weeks.

Scott McTominay (CDM) – 5/10: Although having played a crucial part in Ronaldo’s opening goal, McTominay struggled to control the midfield and deliver a compelling performance on Tuesday. However, with the team short on replacements in his position, the Scotsman is expected to remain a first-team starter for the foreseeable future.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 6/10: Despite being a threat in possession, Fernandes remained apathetic and indisciplined for most of the ninety minutes. Although a vital part of the team’s attacking prowess, Rangnick will be keen on demanding a composed and consistent performance from the Portuguese midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United vs Brighton — Image Obtained via Football365

Fred (CM) – 5/10: A surprise inclusion to the United starting line-up, Fred remained an inconsistent figure against Brighton throughout the ninety minutes. With Paul Pogba set to return to the line-up for the weekend’s clash against Leeds United, Fred will be keen on improving and making the best of his opportunities moving forward.

Anthony Elanga (RW) – 6/10: Having offered an indispensable balance to the frontline, Elanga’s work rate ensured that the opposition failed to exploit the space down the flanks. With Marcus Rashford enduring a rough spell of form, Elanga will be hopeful in regaining his place for the weekend.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 7/10: A pivotal goal saw Ronaldo emerge as the most impactful player for Manchester United against Brighton. Now, having ended his goal drought, the Portuguese striker will be keen on improving his output and increasing his goal tally over the remainder of the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United vs Brighton — Image Obtained via Evening Standard

Jadon Sancho (LW) – 6/10: A diligent performance saw Sancho’s impact remain largely unnoticed on Tuesday. Having seemingly cemented his spot in the starting line-up, the youngster will be keen on returning to the best of form over the remainder of the campaign.

Substitutes

Paul Pogba (CM) – 7/10: Having added creativity from the midfield following his inclusion, Pogba proved vital to United gaining control of the game in the second half. With the first team line-up looking increasingly balanced following his return from injury, the Frenchman is likely to play a vital role in deciding the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Marcus Rashford (RW) – 6/10: Given only a few minutes on the pitch, Rashford remained largely unnoticed during his cameo. With Anthony Elanga emerging as a serious competitor, Rashford will be keen on returning to his best over the coming weeks.

Alex Telles (LW) – 6/10: Much like Rashford, Telles failed to make an impact with his cameo on Tuesday. However, with the schedule set to grow increasingly demanding, the left-back will be keen on making the best of his opportunities moving forward.

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