Manchester, Feb 16 (BNA): Cristiano Ronaldo broke his lack of goals to score the opening goal for Manchester United with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion that lifted him to the top four in the Premier League.
Ronaldo, who has not scored a goal since last December and was taken off the bench by interim coach Ralph Rangnick in some recent matches, responded to his critics five minutes into the first half with a superb finish after being played by Scott McTominay, Reuters reported.
Brighton were the better team before the break with United once again looking disjointed and lacking in spark.
But their hopes of reacting after falling behind were dashed when Luis Dunk was sent off after a foul on Anthony Ilanga, as the initial yellow card was upgraded to red.
Even then, United were unconvincing and Brighton’s Jacob Moder curled the crossbar before former United striker Danny Welbeck headed home after a late chance.
Bruno Fernandes gave the score a great look with a fine individual goal in stoppage time as United moved above West Ham United to fourth with 43 points from 25 games.
The opening 45 minutes were tough for United fans as Brighton looked on the more polished side.
But for a dramatic save from David de Gea to block Moder’s header, the first-half boos would have been louder.
Ronaldo changed the mood, however, after the break.
He has gone six games without a goal, his most streak with clubs since a run of seven games without goals between December 2008 and January 2009.
Some even suggested his second spell with United was fading, but his goal against Brighton was Ronaldo stale.
When Brighton lost the ball and McTominay fed Ronaldo, he swerved away from three defenders and with minimal rebounds, shot past Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
“A great goal,” said Rangnick. “Not only an important goal but a great one and I think overall it was a good performance for Cristiano.
“Strong, he’s always been trying to help his teammates and I think in the past weeks it’s definitely his best performance and a very important goal for us.”
Brighton got themselves in trouble again shortly after trying to play from behind and Dunk was very casual, losing the ball to Elanga who pulled it back in.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Brighton continued to cause problems with United and it was very comforting for the hosts when Fernandes pulled away from the midfield and Sanchez sat down before scoring a superb goal.
It was only ninth-placed Brighton’s second defeat away this season, and coach Graham Potter couldn’t help but admire Ronaldo’s quality.
“Punished by a world-class player,” he said. “Cristiano Ronaldo is absolutely amazing, world-class. There is nothing else to say about this.”