MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Feb 16, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo
ended his six-game goal 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 still managed to make heavy weather of the situation,
wasting a number of great chances to double their lead until Bruno Fernandes
sealed the points deep into stoppage time.

  Ralf Rangnick's team had blown half-time leads to draw 1-1 in their
previous three matches in all competitions, dropping crucial points in the
league and exiting the FA Cup on penalties.

  In his pre-match interviews, United's interim manager had spoken about how
he wanted his team to be more like Dr Jekyll and less like his literary evil
alter ego Mr Hyde.

  The German said after the match he had seen both sides of his team, who
have struggled to find consistency and fluency under his stewardship.

  "First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the
result) was different," he said. "In the end it was important to get the
three points against an in-form team."

  Rangnick praised 37-year-old Ronaldo, who returned to the scoresheet for
the first time since December 30.

  "Very important not only that he scored but it was an outstanding goal," he
said. "It was important for all of us, but his overall performance was one of
the best since I arrived here."

  - United struggles -

  Forward Anthony Elanga and midfielder Fred came into United's starting
line-up for Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with defender Raphael Varane also
missing out due to illness.

  Jadon Sancho was denied early on but the hosts created precious little as
mid-table Brighton controlled the game, enjoying nearly 60 percent of
possession in the first half.

  David de Gea was forced to make a spectacular save to keep out a Jakub
Moder header and the half-time whistle drew boos from a frustrated home
crowd, with United fortunate to be level at 0-0.

  The home side took the lead in the 51st minute when Scott McTominay found
Ronaldo, who darted forwards, cutting past Adam Webster and firing beyond
goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box.

  It was the Portugal forward's 15th goal since he returned to United from
Juventus in August.

  Things got dramatically better for United minutes later as Elanga's pace
caught out Dunk, who brought down the teenager.

  Referee Peter Bankes showed a yellow card to the Brighton captain, only to
change it to red after reviewing the foul on the advice of the video
assistant referee.

  United were now on top but they failed to kill off the game despite their
man advantage.

  They almost paid for their profligacy when Moder beat De Gea but he saw his
shot cannon back off the crossbar in the 78th minute and ex-United player
Danny Welbeck flashed a late header high as the home fans breathed a sigh of
relief.

  United wrapped up the victory in the 97th minute when substitute Pogba took
a quick free-kick and Fernandes collected the ball inside his own half and
raced forward before firing home.

  The three points lift United into the fourth Champions League qualification
spot, two points ahead of West Ham and four behind third-placed Chelsea, who
have a game in hand.

  Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham are also within striking distance of the top
four and all have games in hand.