MANCHESTER UNITED beat Brighton 2-0 last night thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
And David De Gea was also back to his best, making a stunning save from Jakub Moder to wreck the Seagulls' chances of taking the lead.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire could be on his way out of Old Trafford, according to reports.
Man Utd are said to be interested in snapping up out-of-contract Barcelona star Ronald Araujo to replace the England ace.
Raphael Varane was due to start alongside Maguire against Brighton but pulled out in the warm-up with illness.
And midfielder Jesse Lingard, who is also linked with a move away from United, is reportedly set to snub a move to Tottenham.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
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- Tristan Barclay
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed the secret that transformed his side at half-time in their crucial 2-0 win over Brighton last night.
The Red Devils again looked lacklustre at Old Trafford and went into the break with the score at 0-0.
But during the break the German tactician called on wingers Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga to change their approach.
He said: “We told our two wingers to attack the centre-backs so our full-backs could jump to their full-backs.
“That paid off with Elanga and the red card. We should have killed off the game much earlier. We were not lethal enough.
“First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the result) was different. In the end it was important to get the three points against an in-form team.”
- Tristan Barclay
Out of control
Man United aren’t going to win anything until they sort out their midfield.
That’s the view of ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Fred started in the Man United midfield last nightCredit: AFP The pundit reckons United need an upgrade on the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay, who all featured to some extent against Brighton last night.
He said: “I will always say until Man United get the midfield sorted where they can control the game when it’s going against them they are going to have problems.
“Brighton even with ten men, they were still causing Man United problems.
“That should not be happening, not at Old Trafford against eleven men.
“How many transfer windows everybody knows they need for that particular midfield for them to control games.
“If Man United can control games, they will take chances, they will make even more chances and they will win more comfortably.”
- Tristan Barclay
Change of schedule
United have reportedly axed plans to play a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer due to Covid-19 restrictions still in place.
The Red Devils had been considering a stop in the city as part of their first 'proper' pre-season tour in two years.
But Hong Kong's strict pandemic protocols don't look like being relaxed any time soon and United aren't prepared to gamble with booking in a stay this year.
- Tristan Barclay
Brotherly love
Bruno Fernandes has signalled his approval of Paul Pogba's return to the Man United line-up.
The France superstar is back in action for the Red Devils having recovered from a long-term hamstring problem.
And he lined up alongside Fernandes in the United midfield for last night's much-needed 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Now Fernandes has taken to Twitter to hail a duo he has labelled 'Brogba'…
- Tristan Barclay
Hungry for more
He’s had his doubters in recent weeks but last night Cristiano Ronaldo responded in the only way he knows how – by hitting the back of the net.
The veteran striker hit the opener as Man United claimed a vital three points over a determined Brighton side at Old Trafford.
And one ex-United striker watching on couldn’t believe what he was seeing from the current Red Devil goal-getter.
Andy Cole said: “It’s incredible – to be playing at the highest level at 37 now and still scoring goals. The goals that he’s got. He’s done almost everything in his career.
“But to still have that hunger and desire – that tells you everything.”
- Tristan Barclay
Overseas duty
Jesse Lingard is reportedly set to snub a move to Tottenham because he wants to head abroad this summer.
The United midfielder is soon to be out of contract at Old Trafford and appears certain to head for the exit.
He has notched 226 appearances for the Red Devils but this season has found game time hard to come by.
Spurs were mooted as a potential escape route in January but the indications coming out of the Lingard camp now suggest he wants to play overseas next term.
- Tristan Barclay
Nic of time
Man United look set for an almighty transfer battle against two heavyweights of world football if they’re to land Roma starlet Nicolo Zaniolo this summer.
Domestic arch-rivals Liverpool and Serie A giants Juventus are both reportedly tracking the 22-year-old and plan to move for him at the end of the season.
Juve in particular have been eyeing the winger for some time and tried to pinch him from previous club Inter Milan before he moved to Rome.
But the Turin club will have to sell first before they can bring him in, with Weston McKennie likely to be moved on.
- Tristan Barclay
Re-Noued interest
Just when the speculation over Paul Pogba’s future seemed to have died down…
Barcelona are reportedly still interested in bringing the Man Utd midfielder to the Nou Camp.
Pogba is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer and conversations over an extension appear to have died out.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both been frontrunners for his signature at various points in the last six months.
But now it appears Barca bosses are confident they can make a swoop and land the World Cup-winner on a free at the end of the season.
- Tristan Barclay
Mo pressure
Man Utd have reportedly joined the race for the man dubbed the ‘next Mo Salah’.
No pressure then…
Antony has been likened to Liverpool superstar Mo SalahCredit: Getty The Red Devils are set to battle it out with Salah’s current employers Liverpool and his former club Chelsea for the heir to his crown.
The man tipped to succeed him as one of the Premier League’s greatest talents is Ajax youngster Antony.
The 21-year-old is one of European football’s brightest young talents and is attracting interest from a host of heavyweight clubs.
The winger has already made seven appearances for his native Brazil and has notched 11 goals for Ajax so far this season.
- Tristan Barclay
Fast start
Donny van de Beek has aimed what appears to be a subtle dig at his parent club United.
The Netherlands midfielder is now on loan at Everton after his much-publicised year or so sat on the United bench.
And the 24-year-old put in a man-of-the-match performance on his first start for the Toffees in their victory over Leeds on Saturday.
Speaking afterwards, he admitted how exhausted he felt after finally being given the chance to play a full 90 minutes.
He said: “I am really happy to play 90 minutes.
“In the last 20 minutes I felt it was a long time ago that I played a full game, and I was a little bit tired!
“But it was an amazing day and a good start for me. We really needed this.”
- Tristan Barclay
‘Left it late’
United may have finally bagged a win after three drab 1-1 draws in a row.
But stopper David de Gea was less than impressed with the way his team-mates went about securing their 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo had given the hosts a 1-0 lead on 51 minutes, but it wasn’t until Bruno Fernandes notched the second in the seventh minute of stoppage time that the three points were in the bag.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, De Gea said: “It was too late the goal, but at least we scored the second goal.
“We should have scored much earlier, we had a couple of good chances and then you suffer when you don’t score the goal and you don’t kill the game.
“You suffer, because they are a good team, they know how to play, but this is football, we win the game and we are happy.”
- Tristan Barclay
The p-rice is right
Declan Rice has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
But could the West Ham star now be on his way to the Bernabeu?
Declan Rice is one of English football's hottest propertiesCredit: Getty Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race for the England international.
Transfer expert Gianluca DiMarzio claims that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti 'loves' the 23-year-old.
Rice himself recently admitted he has ambitions of playing in – and winning – the Champions League.
It's claimed that 13-time winners Madrid could be the 'perfect' destination – because Ancelotti 'loves him in an incredible way'.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning United fans
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his six-game goalless streak with a sweet strike in the 2-0 win over Brighton.
The No7 was enduring his longest goal drought for over a decade but broke duck with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
Bruno Fernandes got United's second to finish the game off and fire the Red Devils into fourth.
On the transfer front, Manchester United and Chelsea have been told how much they should bid for West Ham star Declan Rice this summer.
Red Devils icon Teddy Sheringham believes the England midfielder has emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League.
And suitors must be ready to break the bank in the next transfer window.
Sheringham believes Rice is proving to be as good as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.And with age on his side, Rice’s asking price this summer should instead be £160m.
Manchester United are likely to go for Tottenham superstar Harry Kane if Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new manager, reports suggest.
That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who report that a move for Kane is expected if United ultimately appoint Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino in the dugout.
And finally, Kleberson thinks Paul Pogba doesn’t suit Ralf Rangnick’s style at Man Utd.
Speaking to Paddy Power, the World Cup winner said: “When I watch Paul Pogba as a midfielder, he is not as dynamic in the press as Fred.
“Pogba is a very good player with the ball, and he is good at passing between the lines to create opportunities for the attackers, no matter where he is on the pitch, whether he’s in a low block or a high block.
“The problem for him is the style of football that Ralf Rangnick wants to play. Pressing, setting traps, that kind of stuff is quite difficult for him because it’s not his style. He prefers to have the ball at his feet.
“Sometimes, he tries to play the way the manager wants. He does get tighter to the opponents, but Manchester United have to get the ball to his feet more.
“There is a little bit of unbalance in the team. If one player doesn’t follow the structure of the team and doesn’t press, it’s hard, and it creates unbalance in the team.”
- Joshua Mbu
Rangnick on Ronaldo's goal
Ralf Rangnick was pleased to see Cristiano Ronaldo get on the scoresheet after a six-game drought.
He said: "It was an amazing goal by Cristiano, and an important one.
"It was also a good performance, he was always trying to help his team-mates."
- Joshua Mbu
Full time – Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
Immediately, the final whistle is blown and Peter Bankes calls time on this Premier League encounter.
It wasn't always pretty, it wasn't always impressive, but Manchester United have got the job done and claimed an important victory in the hunt for Champions League football.
- Joshua Mbu
Goal! Bruno Fernandes seals victory!
90+7. Deep into stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes make sure of three crucial points!
It's the midfielder's eighth goal of the season!
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd 1-0 Brighton – Fernandes chance!
71. What an opportunity to kill the game off!
Yet again, it's an awful mistake from a Brighton player that presents the opportunity, this time when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez plays a pass straight to Ronaldo on the edge of the area.
The forward could go for goal himself, but instead squares a pass to compatriot Fernandes, whose shot from point blank range is pushed away superbly by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Redemption for Robert, but a poor miss by Bruno.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd 1-0 Brighton
Cristiano Ronaldo ends his goalless run with an absolute peach.
The No7 picks the ball up inside Brighton's half, beats his man and fires into the far corner.
Top, top finish.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton – Bissouma chance!
40. And another Brighton opportunity!
United's players are all over the place, their defending almost non-existent. The gaps allow Bissouma to burst forward, play a one-two with Trossard and fire wide of the far post.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
14. Brighton continue to push United back towards their own goal.
In fact, half of the game so far has been played in the home side's defensive third.
- Joshua Mbu
Kick-off – Man Utd v Brighton
1. Here we go! A toot on Peter Bankes whistle signals the start of tonight's only Premier League games, and it's the visitors that get us underway.
In their traditional blue and white stripes, Brighton are attacking the Stretford End in this first half.
- Joshua Mbu
Bissouma returns to Brighton midfield
Graham Potter makes three changes to the side that won at Watford, and there's a shift in shape too.
The highly-rated Yves Bissouma is back in midfield while Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard also return to the starting line-up; Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey and Danny Welbeck drop to the bench.
The Seagulls dispense with three at the back to operate with a 4-4-2 that sees Joel Veltman shift to right-back.
1 Sanchez; 34 Veltman, 5 Dunk, 4 Webster, 3 Cucurella; 8 Bissouma; 13 Gross, 15 Moder, 10 Mac Allister; 9 Maupay, 11 Trossard
- Joshua Mbu
United XI – Fred and Elanga start
Ralf Rangnick makes two changes to the side that started the match with Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.
No sooner had he won his place back in the team, Paul Pogba is out again. The Frenchman drops to the bench and is replaced in midfield by the returning Fred.
Marcus Rashford is also among the substitutes with his place in the forward line taken by 19-year-old Anthony Elanga.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line at the top of a 4-2-3-1 shape for the Red Devils while the under-fire Harry Maguire captains the side.
1 De Gea; 20 Dalot, 19 Varane, 5 Maguire, 23 Shaw; 39 McTominay, 17 Fred; 25 Sancho, 18 Fernandes, 36 Elanga; 7 Ronaldo
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd ‘expected to make Kane transfer move’
Manchester United are likely to go for Tottenham superstar Harry Kane if Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new manager, reports suggest.
That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who report that a move for Kane is expected if United ultimately appoint Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino in the dugout.
The Argentinean head coach appears to be the Red Devils' top choice to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's full-time successor in the summer, when interim manager Ralf Rangnick turns into a consultant for the club.
Sources close to the star striker suggest that he would love to work with Pochettino again after five successful years together at Tottenham.
Although a lot needs to be done for that reunion to come into fruition, it is believed that it could all work out if the Manchester giants move fast.
Rivals Manchester City tried to sign the England captain in the summer and made a £130million offer to Spurs, which was rejected.
- Joshua Mbu
Declan Rice transfer fee
Manchester United and Chelsea have been told how much they should bid for West Ham star Declan Rice this summer.
Red Devils icon Teddy Sheringham believes the England midfielder has emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League.
And suitors must be ready to break the bank in the next transfer window.
Sheringham believes Rice is proving to be as good as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
And with age on his side, Rice’s asking price this summer should instead be £160m.
Credit: Getty
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