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Man Utd player ratings vs Brighton: Pogba and Rashford star, defender continues to impress
MANCHESTER UNITED saw off Brighton with a professional display at Old Trafford, but which of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men stood out in the victory?
Man United: Solskjaer praises Pogba after defeating Brighton
Manchester United temporarily moved up to fifth in the Premier League after goals from Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford fired the Red Devils to a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Pogba opened the scoring from the penalty spot, slamming past David Button after the Frenchman was bundled over by Gaetan Bong.
Rashford then showed brilliant skill to weave his way into the box and fire into the far corner as United doubled their lead before half-time.
Pascal Gross pulled one back for the visitors after Davy Propper’s pass to set up a nervy finish, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held out for all three points.
Express Sport has rated how the Manchester United players performed during their win over Brighton – do you agree?
Manchester United player ratings vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Premier League
GK: David De Gea – 6
Rarely tested, collecting comfortably under little pressure.
However, clean sheets are proving hard to come by and the Spaniard couldn’t stop Gross from getting on the scoresheet.
RB: Ashley Young – 7
Got forward all afternoon and caused problems with his delivery, both from set-pieces and open play.
Also showed his defensive attributes but going toe-to-toe with Jurgen Locadia and coming out on top.
CB: Victor Lindelof – 8
Really positive performance with solid defending and some excellent passing.
A threat in the opposition penalty area too.
CB: Phil Jones – 6
Not as polished as Lindelof but steady enough.
LB: Diogo Dalot – 6
A late call-up with Luke Shaw taken ill in the warm-up, but acquitted himself well.
Played Rashford in for his goal and will have gone up in Solskjaer’s estimation for performing in a crisis, although he was caught out for Gross' strike.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 6
Had a hand in the opener and looked comfortable in a midfield three.
Much more adventurous with the ball since Solskjaer's arrival.
CM: Ander Herrera – 6
Neat and tidy despite the lack of space in midfield, although wasted his only sight of goal.
Ferried possesion around well.
CM: Paul Pogba – 9
Superb performance yet again from the Frenchman, with his driving run earning the penalty which he then slammed home.
Almost scored an acrobatic overhead kick and looks a different player since Solskjaer’s arrival.
Peppered Button’s goal all afternoon and could have had more.
RAM: Jesse Lingard – 7
Half a yard away from getting on the scoresheet when he just missed connecting with Rashford’s cross.
Showed some nice touches as United dominated much of the game.
LAM: Anthony Martial – 7
Plenty of impressive moments in a fluid frontline and was denied by a good save from Button and some strong defending from Lewis Dunk.
ST: Marcus Rashford – 8
Produced a moment of real class to double the lead, jinking his way through the Seagulls defence and whipping a beauty into the top corner.
Has now scored in four successive Premier League appearances.
SUB: Juan Mata (on for Lingard, 75 mins) – 6
Kept the pressure on decent ball retention, allowing United to control the game in the closing stages.
SUB: Romelu Lukaku (on for Martial, 82 mins) – 6
Got through some good defensive work during his late cameo.
SUB: Darmian (on for Rashford, 93 mins) – N/A
Allowed Rashford a standing ovation.