Man United beat Brighton Hove 2 – 1. Brighton looked set for the first Old Trafford victory in their history when former United striker Danny Welbeck reacted quickest after his initial header had been saved, nodding the visitors in front from close range.
Manchester United came from behind to beat Brighton for the second time this season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side took a significant step towards confirming a place in next year’s Champions League.
However, not for the first time this season, United improved from a lethargic opening period to sweep to victory in the second.
Marcus Rashford levelled when he opened up his body and rolled an excellent shot into the corner from Bruno Fernandes’ lay-off.
Then, with eight minutes remaining, teenager Mason Greenwood headed home his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford this season after Paul Pogba’s volley had bounced into the ground.
The result gives United an 11-point cushion in the battle for a top-four place, although West Ham and Everton could reduce that to eight if they both win their matches in hand.
Comeback kings – the stats
- Manchester United have beaten Brighton twice in the Premier League this season despite conceding first in both games, only the second time they have done so against an opponent in a season, also achieving this against Southampton in 2012-13.
- Brighton remain winless away from home against Manchester United in 13 attempts in all competitions (D2 L11).
- Manchester United have won 25 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, nine more than any other side. Brighton. have dropped 20 points from winning positions, three more than anyone else.
- Manchester United have won eight Premier League games after conceding first this season – only Newcastle United in 2001-02 and Manchester United themselves in 2012-13 have won more such games in a single season (nine each).
- Brighton’s Danny Welbeck became the first player to score three Premier League goals against Manchester United after having appeared for the club in the competition. His other two goals against them came for Arsenal, in February 2016 and May 2017.
- Only Wayne Rooney (15) and Marcus Rashford (13) have scored more Premier League goals as a teenager for Manchester United than Mason Greenwood (12).
- The 2020-21 season is only the second season to see two players who have previously appeared for Manchester United in the Premier League score against them (Wilfried Zaha and Danny Welbeck), along with the 1997-98 campaign, when Dion Dublin and Mark Hughes did so.
- Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has been involved in more Premier League goals since his debut than anyone else (42 – 24 goals, 18 assists).
Source – BBC News
