Manchester United locked horns with Brighton and Hove Albion at the American Express Community Stadium earlier today hoping to pick up their first points of this 2020-21 Premier League campaign. The Red Devils were lacklustre in the first half and conceded the opener when Neal Maupay kept his composure to convert a penalty in the 40th minute. However, Lewis Dunk scored an unfortunate own goal just three minutes later, which meant that the two teams went into the half-time break with nothing to split them.
Marcus Rashford gave Man United the lead just ten minutes into the second half. However, the Seagulls kept pushing and finally managed to net the equaliser via Solly March’s header from close range in injury-time. The Mancunian giants were awarded a penalty right at the death when Neal Maupay handled the ball inside the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes kept his calm and won the match for his team with the last kick of the game. The clash ended with the Red Devils earning a fortunate 3-2 victory on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Man United player fared during the contest versus the Seagulls.
GK: David De Gea – 6/10
The Spaniard made a good save in the second half but won’t be happy after letting in two goals today. He could have conceded a few more but was let off by some woeful Brighton finishing.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 4/10
The former Crystal Palace full-back looked tired and made a few mistakes in the first 45 minutes. It was a lacklustre display from him at right-back.
CB: Victor Lindelof – 5.5/10
Lindelof found it challenging to cope with Neal Maupay’s threat in what was another shaky display from him in defence.
CB: Harry Maguire – 7/10
The English defender played his part in forcing two of his team’s goals today. His presence forced Dunk to score an own goal while his header also struck Maupay’s arm which gave Man United a penalty in the dying embers of the contest.
LB: Luke Shaw – 5/10
He won the freekick in the lead-up to his team’s first goal. However, Shaw was mostly disappointing during the 90 minutes and seems like he is struggling to find his best form this season.
CM: Paul Pogba – 5/10
The Frenchman failed to get into the game and was subbed out of the game after the hour mark as he ran out of gas.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 6/10
The Serbian midfield ace began the game a bit slow but produced a much-improved showing in the second half.
RW: Mason Greenwood – 5/10
The talented youngster tried to make things happen but was mostly a frustrated figure in the opposition half during the match.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes – 8/10
The Portuguese playmaker gave away a cheap penalty in the first half but made amends by slotting home the winning goal courtesy of his successful spot-kick right before the full-time whistle.
LW: Marcus Rashford – 7.5/10
The English attacker made an excellent solo run before scoring with a left-footed finish from close range. He also ran the channels well and was a potent threat on the counter.
ST: Anthony Martial – 5/10
The French striker failed to get into the game and never looked like he had a goal in him.
Substitutes:
CM: Fred – 6/10
The Brazilian talent added some fresh legs in midfield.
CB: Eric Bailly – 5/10
He came off the bench to see out the win.
CAM: Donny van de Beek – N/A
The Dutch playmaker came on to run the clock down.
