Manchester United's Paul Pogba game plan worked vs Brighton

Paul Pogba's knack for effecting games off the bench continued in Manchester United's 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton.

Pogba dropped down to the bench after starting three successive games in his return from a three-month absence with a thigh injury but replaced Fred in the 73rd minute.

The Frenchman's quick-thinking sparked a late breakaway that Bruno Fernandes finished with the final kick of the game to end United's three-match run of draws and elevate them to fourth.

Pogba was involved during his first-half warm-up, addressing United's shape and applauding Scott McTominay's tenacity. The Frenchman helped United keep possession when Brighton were reduced to 10 men and his assist for Fernandes was his first since September.

"I think also Fred in the second-half did well but obviously with one player down it was also important to keep control and possession of the ball," Ralf Rangnick explained. "And that's why I decided to bring on Paul.

"Since he was out with a long-term injury, it was good to rest him in the first-half and to have him available for the last 20 minutes of today's game."

Pogba gifted his shirt to a young supporter at the end of the game and received a warm ovation as he disappeared down the tunnel.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at United in June and is still expected to leave on a free and Rangnick suggested it is in Pogba's interests to play at a high level, if only to earn a desirable move elsewhere.

Pogba could return to the United XI at Leeds on Sunday before United face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League round-of-16 first leg next Wednesday.