Manchester United cruised to a crucial victory at the Amex Stadium with a masterful performance. Their 0-3 win against Brighton extended their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions. And while the race for top-four finish tightens up, Manchester United looks like they are getting ready their Arsenal for next season’s battle.
The arrival of Harry Maguire, Bissaka, and Bruno Fernandez has added the much-needed impetus to a United side that looked dull and average. Though not one of the best, the dominant display against Brighton was enough testament of their intent to reclaim their seat in the big boys’ table.
Does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have the needed ammunition to sustain the fight?
Well, let’s find out.
Mason Greenwood is a future prospect
It was perhaps one of his best goals in a United shirt this season. A sublime individual finish that reminded the United faithful of the better days to come ahead. The 18-year-old sensational forward cut from the right, side-stepping the Brighton defense and firing a low strike into the bottom corner for the Red Devil’s opener.
It was his 13th goal in all competitions and his sixth in the 2019/2020 premier league season. He becomes the first player, below the age of 18, to score as many goals since Wayne Rooney scored for Everton 9 in the 2003/2004 season.
Bruno Fernandez and the Midfield dilemma
Maybe the night’s highlight was the devastating counter-attack rounded up by an emphatic volley from Bruno Fernandez. The third goal for United, and Bruno’s second of the night, was a clear indication the counter-attacking mojo was slowly creeping back at the Carrington grounds.
It was a counter-attack worthy of any premier league top sides, a moment of magic capped by a breathtaking volley from Bruno Fernandez.
Fernandez’s double saw his goal involvement tally rise to 8 in his first eight league games. Only Robin Van Persie holds a better record than him. The Portuguese looks like he’s the chain link Manchester United has been missing in the midfield.
He’s breathing a new life into a midfield that was blowing hot and cold while providing Pogba with acres of space to provide those long-range passes and assists at his leisure.
Stability in defense
When Rio Ferdinand arrived at Old Trafford from Leeds in one of the most expensive moves for a defender at the time, not many gave him a chance. Yet when he left the Carrington grounds after more than ten years, nobody has been able to fill the void.
He paired with Nemanja Vidic to provide United with excellent stability for close to a decade.
The arrival of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan Bissaka was expected to tighten up the porous defense and inject a little confidence in the United defense. Harry Maguire has been exceptional, marshaling the back four and scoring crucial goals when necessary.
Wan Bissaka has brought more energy in the right-wing, providing timely assists that are prime examples of his attacking prowess
