Staff Reporter.
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.
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.
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.
Meanwhile United could be without forward Anthony Martial for the remainder of the season after he was injured on international duty, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says.
Martial, 25, featured for France against Ukraine and Kazakhstan last week before picking up a knee injury.
“Losing Anthony for what might be the rest of the season is very disappointing,” said Solskjaer.
“Reports from France were that it wasn’t serious but it looks a bad one.”
Solskjaer later added on BT Sport that the club “hope to get him back before the end of the season but we’re not sure”.
Martial has scored seven goals for United this season but has just three in 19 appearances in 2021.