Cristiano Ronaldo scores as Man Utd climb back into top four
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his goalscoring 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.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes grant Man Utd a vital three points ➕3️⃣#MUNBHA pic.twitter.com/lbdX8mj8G1
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2022
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.
Back on the scoresheet ⚽️ #MUNBHA // @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/g44ArSaDxR
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2022
But the home side wasted chances to double their lead until Bruno Fernandes sealed the points deep into stoppage time.
Drive. Energy. Composure. ⚡️
🔋 @B_Fernandes8#MUFC | #MUNBHA
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2022
Ralf Rangnick’s team had acquired the damaging habit of squandering leads, dropping vital points against lowly Burnley and Southampton and also exiting the FA Cup.
The interim boss believes our second-half risks paid off in Tuesday's win over Brighton! 🔊#MUFC | #MUNBHA
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2022
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.
⬆️ @ManUtd leapfrog West Ham into the top 4️⃣#MUNBHA pic.twitter.com/JuaW3qOjcx
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2022
Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham are also within striking distance of the top four and all have games in hand.