Mason Greenwood stood out, as Manchester United came from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
A horrendous first half saw Manchester United strike the woodwork early on before turning in a listless performance going forward. On the opposite end, Brighton & Hove Albion showed a lot of purpose and were duly rewarded in the 13th minute when Danny Welbeck headed in from Neal Maupay’s cross to make it 1-0.
Manchester United then saw a lot of the ball without creating any major openings and had Dean Henderson to thank for keeping the deficit down to just the one goal heading into half-time. The hosts, though, were much improved post the interval, although it still took them around 15 minutes to find the breakthrough, which came through Marcus Rashford, who produced a fine finish from close range to restore parity.
The Red Devils continued to push forward for the goals and the winner eventually came in the 82nd minute, as Mason Greenwood reacted quickest to a mishit shot by Paul Pogba to seal all three points. The result took Manchester United to 60 points, as they consolidated second position on the table. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
Dean Henderson: 6/10
A big reason why Manchester United were in the game when Marcus Rashford equalised, Dean Henderson impressed in what could have been his first official game as the Manchester United no. 1. Made a stunning initial save to deny Danny Welbeck, but could not have done much to save the rebound. Made a meal of some claims in aerial situations, but that was the only shortcoming in a solid display.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 5/10
Disappointing from Wan-Bissaka, who failed to track the run of Welbeck when Brighton went ahead in the first half. Once again, he did not carry a threat in the final third and his end product left a lot to be desired. Having said that, he was crucial in Manchester United’s comeback as he kept on winning the ball higher up the pitch to put Brighton under pressure.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
One of two defenders who failed to mark Welbeck for the Brighton goal, Lindelof could not get his head to Neal Maupay’s cross, which allowed the former Manchester United striker to pounce and score. Won 5 duels, though, and was decent enough otherwise, while also retaining a 90 percent passing rate during build-up play.
Harry Maguire: 6/10
Harry Maguire’s game by numbers vs. Brighton:
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won
84% pass accuracy
6 clearances
4 ball recoveries
3 interceptionsMarks his 100th appearance with a win. ✅ pic.twitter.com/18qgmN63wy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 4, 2021
The best of the Manchester United defenders, Maguire made one crucial defensive intervention in the first half to keep the deficit down to one goal. Perhaps a tad bit fortunate to not have conceded a penalty late on when it initially appeared that he had tripped Welbeck. Imperious in the air, though, winning each of the 6 aerial duels he contested while also making important clearances.
Luke Shaw: 6/10
A rare outing when Shaw was simply par for the course. The English international gave Maupay too much space to cross in for Welbeck’s goal but other than that, he was solid on the defensive front. Did not carry any sort of threat in the first half, but improved as the minutes ticked by and was involved in the build-up to Mason Greenwood’s goal.
Paul Pogba: 6/10
Fortunate to get the assist that somewhat atoned for the erroneous pass that played its part in Manchester United going behind. Looked to pull the strings along with Bruno Fernandes, but ended up being wasteful in possession for large parts of the game, losing possession an alarming 24 times. A rare blip, judging by his most recent performances.
Fred: 7/10
Fred might have been involved in the lead-up to Welbeck’s goal, but he was not to blame, as it was Pogba’s poor pass that put him under pressure. Defended astutely when Brighton were spirited in the first half and then added to the numbers going forward in the second half when Manchester United chased the goals. The end product still needs improvement, though.
Mason Greenwood: 8/10
Mason Greenwood has been directly involved in 30 goals since the start of last season — 23 goals and 7 assists.
19 years old. ??? pic.twitter.com/WKs6CBx4Mn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 4, 2021
There were times when Greenwood struggled to get into the game, for the umpteenth time as a right-winger. However, when he did get the ball, it looked like he would make things happen. Settled in immediately when pushed into the role of a central striker late on and popped up to net the winner by heading in Pogba’s mishit shot. Has to be given more chances as a centre-forward.
Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
A game of hits and misses for Bruno Fernandes, who was involved in Manchester United’s only real opening in the first half and lacked the cutting edge in the opening 45 minutes. Much improved in the second half and delivered the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal. Played as many as 5 key passes, although only a couple of them materialised into proper chances. Inconsistencies continue for him.
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 27 Premier League goals this season — 16 goals & 11 assists.
That’s more than any other midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues. ? pic.twitter.com/fNf63LeeUe
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 4, 2021
Marcus Rashford: 7/10
Back in the starting lineup after recovering from the injury that forced him to miss England duty during the international break, Rashford was slow off the blocks and struggled quite a bit in the first half. Post the break, though, the English international showed more desire and got into some dangerous areas before eventually scoring the equaliser with a peach of a finish.
Edinson Cavani: 5/10
A night to forget for Cavani, who, although he did threaten a bit with his movement, never really got into the thick of the action. Indeed, the veteran striker could not even manage a single shot at goal while hardly engaging in duels. Has to do better if Manchester United are to finish the season strongly.
SUBSTITUTES
Daniel James: 6/10
On for a hobbling Rashford, James was a bundle of energy in the final 20 minutes or so, but there were some poor touches as well.
Donny van de Beek: N/A
Did not get many opportunities to showcase his abilities after replacing Cavani, as Manchester United went about seeing the game out, having scored just moments after his substitution.
Scott McTominay: N/A
A late introduction, McTominay helped see the game out.
