Manchester United: Anthony Martial the key in imposing win vs Brighton

Anthony Martial was the difference for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, as they impressively overcame Brighton by 3 goals to 1.

On a day that featured the potential title-decider and the Midlands derby, Manchester United’s match against Brighton slipped under the radar. Not the team they once were by any shape or form, United began Sunday afternoon sitting in 14th place– Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side have struggled to entertain this season.

However, don’t look now, but the Red Devil’s have now scored 3 goals in back to back games- the last time they did this was way back in March. United backed up their 3-0 Europa League win with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford here, the goals coming from Andreas Pereira, Marcus Rashford and an own-goal (which Scott McTominay will be trying to claim). United looked sharp all game, and Anthony Martial, who was my man of the match, chipped in with two assists.

Solskjær has been trying to utilize a high press since he’s been at the club, and it shone today. This was the best United have looked since that opening day vs Chelsea; United moved the ball quickly, pressed high to win it back, and had a rare sense of urgency about them. The first two goals did have a sense of luck about them perhaps, but that’s what Man United need right now.

Andreas Pereira struck first, his left-footed shot taking a sizable deflection off of Dale Stephens and into the bottom corner. Shortly later, United had a second, after Fred’s free-kick was bundled home by what looked like McTominay, but was later given as a Davy Propper own-goal. Brighton didn’t roll over though, and looked to be back in it when Lewis Dunk headed home in the 64th minute, but United responded quickly, as Marcus Rashford finished off a swift counter-attack just two minutes later.

Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet today, Anthony Martial was the difference maker. The Frenchman’s presence simply makes Manchester United a better team; United have suffered in his absence. Martial recorded 2 assists and 4 key passes today, and made some terrific forward runs. His inclusion in the lineup also means Rashford can play in a wide forward role, a position I think he is much more comfortable in. Martial is the better No. 9, and Rashford is more dangerous from a wide position.

In terms of other good performances today, Fred, Daniel James and Brandon Williams all impressed as well. Ole Gunnar Solskjær was particularly complimentary towards Williams, who made his first senior start today. The manager said the youngster defended ‘fantastically’, and was pleased with the way he performed.

United’s win sees them move up to 7th in the table, whilst Brighton drop to 11th. The standings remain tight however- there is a gap of just 3 points between Sheffield United in 5th, and Everton in 15th.

Keeping Martial fit and in form remains the key for United this season, as when he plays well, Manchester United do. As he showed today, he lifts Rashford’s game and offers a different type of threat as the main striker; United look a good team when these two play together. Bring in some creative quality in midfield, and this United team isn’t as far away as people think. Fans, and Solskjær, need to keep faith in that, and hope this win can act as a springboard for the weeks ahead.