Manchester United benefit from Paul Pogba's impact before and after coming on vs Brighton

The step-overs returned, there was a backheel, a strop and a goal of the month contender. All Cristiano Ronaldo was lacking was his signature celebration, instead opting for a knee-slide.

Usually, a goalscorer's drought is ended through good fortune, not Ronaldo. The 15th goal of his second coming at Manchester United was arguably his best and certainly the most important.

Ronaldo had not gone seven games without scoring since United were champions of England, champions of Europe and champions of the world midway through 2008-09. This time, his impotent run ended at six games and Ronaldo may still back himself to match that season's haul of 26 goals.

For now, United occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot and retaining Ronaldo for a second season depends on their presence in that competition. Thursday nights for Ronaldo have been nights off for as long as he has known in his professional career.

Amid all the media advisers and communications employees, Ronaldo is still the expert in crisis management at United. Mutiny was simmering during a forlorn first-half as Brighton excelled and squandered two presentable openings to lead. The absentee landlords, the Glazers, were targeted and a handful of the players admonished.

Ronaldo was one of the few respectable performers in red. The Manchester rainfall always creates an unflattering appearance and Ronaldo, a man for all seasons, seemed freer and fresher with the skies clear on a chilly evening.

Ronaldo rediscovered the step-over in the opening seconds and deftly backheeled to Sancho but he shot straight at Robert Sanchez. Ronaldo expressed his dismay at not receiving the ball back and then kicked the post after Dunk inadvertently lofted the ball over his own