United gets back to winning ways

By Olumide Lawal

Manchester United beat Brighton 3-1 at Old Trafford to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Goals from Andreas Pereira,  Davy Propper(own goal) and Marcus Rashford were enough to condemn the Seagulls to a defeat.

The Reds started the game with the needed intensity as they dominated possession in the first 15 minutes of action. United were soon rewarded with an opening goal after Pereira's tame shot was deflected into his own net by Stephens. Two minutes later, a Fred free kick was bundled into Matt Ryan's net by Propper after the Australian goalkeeper failed to deal with Harry Maguire's knock down. Lewis Dunk pulled one back for the visitors with a header from a corner but Rashford restored the host's two-goal lead to send United back to 7th on the log.

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, will be happy with the points but would surely be critical of his forwards who missed plenty goal scoring chances, especially in the second half. The scoreline doesn't quite reflect how easy the game was for United but OGS will take lots of positives as we head into the last international break of the year.

5 talking points from United 3-1 Brighton

1. Brandon Williams is the future.

When you consider Williams is only a teenager making his first Premier League start at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 spectators, it's easy to not read too much into his performance but he surely justified his inclusion with some proper tackles and exciting forward runs. It is safe to say United's left back position is sorted for the next few years.

2. Martial needs competition 

Anthony Martial got two assists but was somewhat lazy in the first half. He seemed too relax being the only recognized striker in the team and he could do with a few players fighting for his spot. Although, he was better in the second half.

3. United started & ended with same intensity.

This is one of the reasons the team has spent most of this season below the top six, United don't play with same intensity all through the game. It was different on Sunday even though Brighton were awful, the Reds didn't let the visitors have too much time on the ball and they got their rewards, creating lots of chances. A lot will change if they can keep up this pace going forward.

4. Rashford has to be clinical

The Englishman misses at least three clear cut chances in every game! A lot of people say he's not a striker but this writer thinks he really need to do better with his finishing. His last touch of the game says it all.

5. Keeping clean sheets is a problem.

Manchester United always find a way to concede in the league. It's a worrying sign when you consider how much was spent to strengthen their defense in the summer. The likes of Lindelof and Maguire need to improve on defending setpieces

Player Ratings

Goalkeeper: David de Gea 6
He could've done better with the goal conceded.. Largely untested.

Righback: Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7
He was solid as usual, tidy with the tackles as always.

Centreback: Victor Lindelof 7
He had a fair game.

Centreback: Harry Maguire (c) 6
He allowed Lewis Dunk a free header in United's box. had a good game nevertheless.

Leftback: Brandon Williams 8
He's an asset as leftback. Good defender & an even better attacker and could've scored at Stretford End.

Midfielder: Fred 9
Arguably his best game for United since his arrival.

Midfielder: Scott McTominay 8
Bossed the midfield as he's been doing this season but was stretched off late in the game. Here's hoping he's not sidelined for too long.

Midfielder: Andreas Pereira 7
His energy & surging runs going forward resulted in United's opener. His decision making in the final third has to improve.

Forward: Daniel James 7
He caused Brighton lots of problems down the right flank. Pacey

Forward: Marcus Rashford 7
His finishing has to be better. He has to score more goals.

Forward: Anthony Martial 7
Good all round play but seemed too relax & somewhat lazy without the ball. He contributed two assists by the way.