Manchester United overcame 10-man Brighton 2-0 on Tuesday to break Cristiano Ronaldo's six-game goal drought and return to the Premier League's top four. Early in the second half, the game took a dramatic turn as Ronaldo scored his first goal since 2022, followed by Lewis Dunk's dismissal three minutes later. However, the hosts made light work of the scenario, squandering many good chances to extend their lead until Bruno Fernandes secured the win deep into stoppage time. In their previous three meetings in all competitions, Ralf Rangnick's squad had wasted half-time leads to draw 1-1, squandering critical league points and exiting the FA Cup on penalties.

United's interim manager had said in pre-match interviews that he wanted his players to be more like Dr. Jekyll and less like Mr. Hyde, his fictional wicked alter ego.

After the game, the German said he saw both sides of his team, which has failed to find consistency and fluency under his direction.

"The first half was Mr Hyde, the second half was Dr Jekyll, and the result was different for a change," he explained. "Getting the three points against a hot squad was crucial in the end."

Rangnick lauded Ronaldo, who hasn't scored since December 30.

"Not only because he scored, but because it was a great goal," he said. "It was critical for all of us, but his entire effort was among the best I've seen since arriving here."

Forward Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Elanga and Fred, with defender Raphael Varane also missing out due to sickness.

Early on, Jadon Sancho was denied, but the hosts generated very nothing as Brighton, who were in mid-table at the time, controlled the game and had nearly 60% of possession in the first half.

The half-time whistle brought boos from a furious home audience, with United fortunate to be level at 0-0. David de Gea was forced to make a fantastic stop to keep away a Jakub Moder header, and the half-time whistle drew whistles from a frustrated home crowd.

Scott McTominay found Ronaldo, who sprinted forwards, cutting past Adam Webster and blasting past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from the edge of the box in the 51st minute to give the home side the lead.

It was the Portugal striker's 15th goal for United since his return from Juventus in August.

United's fortunes improved considerably minutes later when Elanga's speed caught Dunk off guard, and the teenager was pulled down.

On the instructions of the video assistant referee, referee Peter Bankes gave the Brighton captain a yellow card, which he then changed to a red after reviewing the foul.

United was now in command, but despite having a man advantage, they were unable to end the game.

When Moder beat De Gea in the 78th minute, his effort cannoned against the crossbar, and ex-United player Danny Welbeck flashed a late header high, the home fans sighed a sigh of relief.

In the 97th minute, United sealed the victory when substitute Pogba took a fast free-kick and Fernandes grabbed the ball inside his own half, sprinted forward, and fired home.

United now sits in fourth position in the Champions League, two points ahead of West Ham and four behind third-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal, Wolves, and Tottenham are also in contention for a place in the top four, with games in hand.