Nikita Parris’ brace earned Manchester United back-to-back Women’s Super League wins as they beat Brighton 2-0.

Brazilian forward Geyse caused problems down the right throughout and set up Parris for goals either side of half-time as the forward took her tally to eight in the league this season.

United remain fourth in the table, while Brighton, who sacked manager Melissa Phillips on Thursday, are five points clear of the relegation zone.

A scrappy opening saw Geyse have the first real chance as she forced goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley to push a low effort round a post and it sparked a dominant spell from the hosts.

They went in front in the ninth minute when Geyse’s low cross from the right found Parris in the centre of the area and she smashed the ball first time down the middle of the goal.

United’s main threat came from that right flank, but the Seagulls did well to defend an influx of crosses into the box, while they were tested from a short corner when Katie Zelem’s cross was nodded narrowly over the bar.

The visitors had their first chance in the 24th minute when Lee Geum-min chipped a smart ball through to Elisabeth Terland and the Norwegian fired a powerful shot towards goal, but Mary Earps made a great save to palm the ball behind.

They knocked on the door again when a swift move involving Poppy Pattinson down the left saw her cross pick out Terland, whose close-range effort was blocked at the near post by Earps.

Geyse was then involved again at the other end as she set up Ella Toone, but the England star fired wide in the middle of the area.

After a slow start to the second half, the hosts the hosts threatened again on the hour mark as Zelem’s deep set-pieces caused problems.

The right-hand side then brought success again for United as Geyse waltzed down the wing to link up with Parris again in the centre of the area and she smashed a shot into the far corner for her second of the afternoon in the 64th minute.

Brighton struggled to get into the opposition half as United took total control, retaining possession well and comfortably passing the ball around.

They nearly had a third in the 87th minute as Melvine Malard headed toward the top corner from Zelem’s corner. 

But the effort was well held by Baggaley, who made another comfortable save in stoppage time from Irene Guerrero’s long-range strike.