Full Time: Manchester United 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
Manchester United managed to keep their run intact in the domestic league as a deflected shot from Ashley Young in the second-half was enough to give all them all three points against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Seagulls frustrated the home side for most of the game but a lucky break, at the expense of a red-faced Lewis Dunk, saw them return from Old Trafford without a point.
Mourinho will not be too pleased with his side’s and here’s how the Man Utd players fared against the Seagulls:
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea (6)
Recorded yet another clean sheet on a comfortable night where he only had a couple of regulation saves to make.
Antonio Valencia (3)
One of his poorest games in recent times, Valencia was sloppy at both ends of the field, constantly losing possession and adding to his side’s frustrations.
Victor Lindelof (6)
His battle with Murray was intriguing to watch and given that United walked away with a victory, the Swede definitely won that battle.
Chris Smalling (6)
Still looks a bit nervous at times but put in a solid performance, helping his side to a clean sheet, and earning back some of Mourinho’s trust.
Ashley Young (6)
Was flat for most of the night but his effort is what that gave United a victory. Almost lost it for his side late in the game when he was constantly found out of position on the flank when Brighton started to attack.
Nemanja Matic (4)
Looked slow and off-colour in the middle of the park as he failed to create chances on a night where he had very little to do otherwise.
Paul Pogba (6)
Not one of his best games but Pogba was one of United’s best players on the night, as he kept the ball rolling and pulled the strings for his side.
Juan Mata (4)
Failed to create one chance of note as he played in multiple positions, often delaying attacks and playing into the hands of the visitors.
Marcus Rashford (5)
His running and energy were top notch but he was just not able to break a resilient defensive set-up from the Seagulls.
Anthony Martial (6)
Was never afraid to take his man on in the final third but lacked the final delivery for most of the game,
Romelu Lukaku (3)
Had no influence at all on the proceedings of the game for long periods as he often looked like a lost man among the yellow of the visitors on the night.
Substitutes:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (5)
Still looks rusty with the ball at his feet but managed to add some fluidity to the United attack late in the game.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (N/A)
Came in too late in the game to affect the scoreline.
Marouane Fellaini (N/A)
Came on for Rashford in the 80th minute.
Here is how the Red Devils reacted on social media:
Fact: United were poor today.
Fact: We can and should play better.
Fact: United are unbeaten in 39 consecutive home games in all competitions.
Fact: The points are all that matter.
Fact: We are not going to get a better manager that Jose Mourinho.— Annemarie Dray (@AnnemarieDray) November 25, 2017
FT. Ugly win for United but an important one. Maybe a turning point for Victor Lindelof today. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 25, 2017
Anyone else notice how much louder Old Trafford was in the build up to the goal?
Maybe the fans performance needs to reviewed more often because they play a huge role.
— 🔰 Totally Man Utd™ 🔰 (@TotallyMUFC) November 25, 2017
Slow, laboured, predictable. Atrocious half from #MUFC. Lack of adventure, creation and tempo. Brighton will be delighted. Mata anonymous and confused, Young out of position a couple of times. Big second half.
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) November 25, 2017
It wasn't the prettiest of football, but man were some people having a meltdown?!
"Abysmal, awful, f%#@ Mourinho, F%#@ Ashley Young, F^#$ Mata, F%#@ the sate of MUFC"
Jesus Cantona ya'll needa relax a bit. It wasn't a damn nightmare. #FullTimeJohn
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) November 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/934445965452464128
https://twitter.com/_MadMarcus/status/934519652742565894