Manchester United 4-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Have Bruno Amoury’s tactics finally clicked for Fernandes and Casemiro?
After a long wait and several obstacles, Manchester United finally seem to have found their rhythm. The Red Devils put on a confident display to overcome Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, securing a 4-2 Premier League victory.
United took the lead through Matheus Cunha, and Casemiro doubled the advantage before half-time. In the second half, Brighton’s Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to keep the match exciting, but United sealed the win with a late strike.
Last season, United lost both league encounters against Brighton. This win helped the side heal a long-standing wound and marked a significant step for a squad that had been struggling for consistency.
Since Ruben Amorim took charge in November 2024, United had not recorded back-to-back Premier League wins—until last Sunday’s victory over Liverpool. Now, just six days later, the team has made it three straight wins in the league.
With 16 points from nine matches (five wins and one draw), United rise to fourth place—the first time since the 2022-23 season that they have reached the top four.
Although they were slightly out of possession in the first half, United were active in attack. In the 24th minute, Cunha opened the scoring with a brilliant finish. Casemiro set him up with a precise pass outside the D-box, and the Brazilian forward struck a powerful low shot into the net.
Since the start of last season, Cunha has now scored seven goals from outside the box across all competitions—the most in the Premier League. This was also his first league goal for United since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June.
Ten minutes later, Casemiro was involved again. The Brazilian’s powerful shot from outside the D-box deflected off an opposition player and found the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
In the 61st minute, Bryan Mbeumo scored United’s third goal. Receiving a pass from Benjamin Sesko, the Cameroonian forward smashed the ball into the net from inside the box, continuing his scoring form from the Liverpool game, where he had found the net in the second minute.
Brighton responded in the 74th minute with a stunning free-kick from nearly 22 yards out. Danny Welbeck curled the ball over the wall and into the net, bringing Brighton back into the game.
The visitors continued to press, and in the second minute of stoppage time, 18-year-old Greek forward Kostoulas headed home a James Milner corner to further reduce the deficit and shake United.
Four minutes later, Mbeumo wrapped up the victory with a clinical finish. Substitute Aiden Haven threaded a precise through ball from midfield, and Mbeumo smashed it first-time into the net, putting the result beyond doubt.
Amoury’s reaction summed up the relief and joy in the United camp. As the ball hit the net, he erupted in celebration before calmly drinking water, a mix of jubilation and relief written all over his face.
