Cristiano Ronaldo strikes as Manchester United climb back into top four

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his goalscoring drought on Tuesday as Manchester United recovered from an insipid first-half display to beat 10-man Brighton 2-0 and clamber back into the Premier League top four. The match dramatically changed complexion early in the second half, with Ronaldo scoring his first goal in 2022 before Lewis Dunk was sent off three minutes later.

But the home side wasted chances to double their lead until Bruno Fernandes sealed the points deep into stoppage time. Ralf Rangnick's team had acquired the damaging habit of squandering leads, dropping vital points against lowly Burnley and Southampton and also exiting the FA Cup.

United have struggled to find consistency and fluency under their German interim manager and again failed to impose themselves against Brighton in a flat atmosphere at Old Trafford. Anthony Elanga and Fred came into the starting line-up for Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, with Raphael Varane also missing out due to illness.

Jadon Sancho was denied early on, but the hosts created precious little as Brighton controlled the game, enjoying nearly 60 percent of possession in the first half. David de Gea was forced into a spectacular save to keep out a Jakub Moder header. The half-time whistle drew boos from a frustrated home crowd, with United fortunate to be level at 0-0.

United took the lead in the 51st minute when Scott McTominay tackled Yves Bissouma and the ball broke to Ronaldo, who darted forwards, cutting past Adam Webster and firing beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box. Things got even better for United soon after as Elanga's pace caught out Dunk, who brought down the teenager 25 yards out.

Referee Peter Bankes showed a yellow card to the Brighton