Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has called his team ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ after their 2-0 win against Brighton.

United were under huge pressure after drawing their last two Premier League games 1-1, against Burnley and Southampton respectively

Rangnick’s team talk clearly worked as United were much better after the interval, even if it didn’t last for the full 90 minutes.

Scott McTominay harried Yves Bissouma and found Cristiano Ronaldo, who bagged the opener with a venomous strike. That ended his run of six games without a goal.

Brighton went down to 10 men not long afterwards as Lewis Dunk fouled Anthony Elanga when the youngster was through on goal.

United gradually tired and Moder hit the crossbar in the 78th minute. But the win was secured in stoppage time as Bruno Fernandes made it 2-0 after a swift counter attack.

During a post-match interview with BBC Sport, Rangnick said: “First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the result) was different. In the end it was important to get the three points against an in form team. Brighton are very possession based, full of confidence and we had to take more risks in the second half, it paid off.

“We scored the goal and got the red card for Lewis Dunk with a brilliant interception from Anthony Elanga. It should have been 3-0, 4-0 after 75 minutes but there is a bit of lack of assuredness in front of goal.

“We realised that they had too often possession of the ball and could only intercept in few situations. Should we change to a formation to back three? We decided to stick to 4-2-3-1 with more risk and it paid off.

“In the first 10 minutes of the second half we had more success moments and it raised the crowd, they were not moaning and were getting behind the team. I can understand if it feels to them like Brighton have 60% possession, that is not what they want to see.”

When asked about de Gea’s performance, Rangnick added: “In the last 10-12 games, that has happened a few times. Brilliant save from Jakub Moder and that is why we have one one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

Centre-back Raphael Varane withdrew from the match shortly before kick-off due to illness. On the Frenchman, Rangnick said: “On the way from the hotel after dinner and team meeting, he had stomach problems. We were hoping to get rid of it with medication but he did not feel well and that is why we played with Victor Lindelof instead.

“Very important after three draws. This was highly important and another intense game coming up against Leeds, high speed football for 95 minutes and we need to recover and be in form for Elland Road on Sunday.”