Manchester United were made to work hard for all three points by Brighton & Hove Albion, who were beaten 2-1 by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The hosts were not quite at their fluent best, with Brighton being resolute in their defensive duties. But, it was Manchester United who were creating most of the threat in the final third before they got the well deserved lead through Paul Pogba, who was tripped inside the Seagulls’ box by Gaetan Bong before he converted from the spot.
Fifteen minutes later, Manchester United doubled their advantage through Marcus Rashford, who produced a scintillating finish to continue his fine run. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men weren’t as clinical in the second half, and they were in for a nervy finish after Pascal Gross pulled a goal back for Brighton in the 72nd minute.
But, the Red Devils held on for all three points, making it seven wins in seven under Solskjaer, who was the toast of the Manchester United fans in the aftermath of the result.
7️⃣ games
7️⃣ wins
1️⃣9️⃣ goals
4️⃣ goals conceded
3️⃣ clean sheetsSolskjær's #mufc are on fire. pic.twitter.com/LlimeRKxx9
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 19, 2019
Not the prettiest display from Manchester United but a very important three points. Keeps the pressure on the top four rivals. Seven wins from seven for Solskjær. Happy days!
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 19, 2019
Seven on the bounce, Pogba and Rashford adding to their tallies and Chelsea vs. Arsenal later.
Never felt more confident this season of getting top four, Solskjær is doing superbly.
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) January 19, 2019
7 straight wins. The Solskjaer train marches on pic.twitter.com/OiBE091R7T
— Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) January 19, 2019
WWWWWWW
You are my Solskjaer ? #mufc pic.twitter.com/FsuHq4YJTs
— Red Devil Bible (@RedDevilBible) January 19, 2019
7 OUT OF 7!! OLE’S AT THE WHEEL ?⚫️⚪️ #GGMU pic.twitter.com/yLo7hOM481
— Miguel Rodriguez (@MckyRdrgz) January 19, 2019
Paul Pogba was also lauded for his contribution towards the win as he scored from a trademark stuttering penalty.
Paul Pogba under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:
Games – 7
Goals – 5
Assists – 4Unreal form ? #mufc pic.twitter.com/zODxPDWGDw
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) January 19, 2019
Nine goals and assists for Paul Pogba in six games under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Light work. Finally unleashed.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 19, 2019
Pogba has 8 goals & 7 assists now in league. If you still aren’t calling him world class because he’s immature for dancing, you’re immature for living in denial.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) January 19, 2019
But, the man of the hour, among the players, was Marcus Rashford, who continued his fine run. Solskjaer’s role in the Englishman’s upturn in form was also praised.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks like a proud father on the bench; he knows we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly great striker in Marcus Rashford #mufc
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) January 19, 2019
Rashford is mint, isn't he? 41 goals and 23 assists so far in 150 United appearances.#MUFC #MUNBHA
— Stephen Howson ?? (@MrStephenHowson) January 19, 2019
You have to be something special to make 150 appearances at such young age for Manchester United. Rashford, Best, Giggs, Whiteside. ACADEMY
— Vinay (@SemperFiUtd) January 19, 2019
How am I supposed to tell my children that Rashford really put this in the top corner from this angle with that body shape? pic.twitter.com/JD0ZoESrR2
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) January 19, 2019
Rashford has been in very good form for the last two or three months but has added some unreal finishing in the last few weeks. On this form the likes of Lukaku and Sanchez better get used to the bench. Wonderful stuff.
— Doc (@Doc_Joshi) January 19, 2019