David de Gea believes Manchester United are still getting used to the "different" approach of interim manager Ralf Rangnick after their inconsistent performances continued against Brighton.
United were lifeless in the first 45 minutes against the Seagulls, but showed more intensity and aggression after the break to record a 2-0 win that takes them back into fourth place in the Premier League.
It was a seventh win in 14 games under the stewardship of interim manager Rangnick, who is trying to bring in a high-pressing game at Old Trafford since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United had played out three successive 1-1 draws before Tuesday's win and they produced another Jekyll and Hyde performance — as Rangnick has called them.
De Gea knows the consistency has to improve if United are to cement their grip on the top four and although Rangnick's training methods have been scrutinised, the goalkeeper believes the changes will take time to implement.
“He’s a different coach, he tries to make us press high and be more aggressive," said De Gea.
“That's what we did in the second half. Not in the first one, but in the second half we showed more of what he wants us to do.
“I think we need to be much more consistent. Not just play 45 minutes — the first 45 or just the second 45.
“We have to be consistent for 90 minutes and then it's going to be easier to win games.
“This is what we are doing now. We try to play the 90 minutes at the same level, same desire and that's what we have to improve.”
United's fans were becoming agitated during an insipid first 45 minutes in which De Gea's brilliance once again rescued them, as he spectacularly clawed away Jakub Moder's header during a half in which Brighton had eight shots to United's three.
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal after the break gave United the advantage and Lewis Dunk was sent off moments later, although Bruno Fernandes only clinched victory with the final attack of the game.
De Gea accepts it's been a difficult season at Old Trafford and understands the frustration of supporters who were expecting a title challenge this season.
“Of course, we should be fighting for better things than we are doing at the moment," he said.
“But the reality is that we are fighting for the top four. This is the objective. Finishing in the top four is very important for us.
“We will go game by game giving 100 per cent every game and try to as much games as we can.”
De Gea was pleased with his own contribution and his stunning save from Moder and after three games without a clean sheet he was happy to finally claim another shutout.
“To be honest, it was a very good save. I'm here just to help the team like I did in the first half," he added. “In the second half, we react. I think we played better than in the first half and then we scored a goal and we won the game.
“So, yeah, it was a great first half from me and happy to keep another clean sheet.
"I think this is one of the things that we have to improve, keeping more clean sheets, concede fewer chances and from that we're going to win more games, for sure.
"But today, yeah, they had a couple of good chances but at the end a clean sheet is always great."
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