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Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick praised his side’s marked second-half improvement during the win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Without a win in three matches across all competitions, the Red Devils were booed off by the Old Trafford faithful following a goalless first half.
The hosts registered just three shots on goal to their opponents’ eight during the opening 45 minutes, while enjoying only 41 per cent of possession.
However, the pendulum swung in their favour early in the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo breaking the deadlock with his first goal of 2022 before Lewis Dunk was dismissed for bringing down Anthony Elanga.
Bruno Fernandes sealed the points deep into stoppage time with his fourth goal in as many Premier League appearances against Brighton.
“First half was Mr Hyde; second half Dr Jekyll – and for a change, [the result] was different,” Rangnick said.
“In the end, it was important to get the three points against an in-form team. Brighton are very possession-based, full of confidence, and we had to take more risks in the second half; it paid off.
“In the first 10 minutes of the second half, we had more success moments, and it raised the crowd; they were not moaning and were getting behind the team
“We scored the goal and got the red card. It should have been 3-0, 4-0 after 75 minutes, but there is a bit of lack of assuredness in front of goal.”
United also registered their second clean sheet in three home Premier League games – as many as they managed in the previous 18 – but did so without Raphael Varane, who pulled out of the starting line-up due to illness.
Addressing the defender’s situation, Rangnick revealed: “On the way from the hotel after dinner and team meeting, he had stomach problems.
“We were hoping to get rid of it with medication, but he did not feel well and that is why we played with Victor Lindelof instead.”
Victory lifted United above West Ham and back into the top four of the Premier League table.
David de Gea, who made several smart saves to keep Brighton at bay, revealed his team-mates’ delight at getting back to winning ways, but feels they should be in a stronger position than they are.
“It is great always when you have the three points, especially after we drew the last few games,” the goalkeeper said. “We are all very happy.
“We knew that Brighton is one of the teams that play very well with the ball, press very good and, for me, it is a very good team.
“We pressed high in the second half. We controlled the game after the red card and there was a five-minute spell when they came back.
“We should be fighting for more things than the top four, but that is the reality. There are many teams fighting for the same position and with the quality we have, we should win a lot of points.”
