Manchester United achieved their third successive win for the first time under manager Ruben Amorim, despite a late fightback from Brighton & Hove Albion. It started as a fairly even match, but United broke the deadlock with Matheus Cunha’s shot into the bottom corner. They doubled their lead before half-time, but Casemiro’s shot went wide and Brighton goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen was unable to stop the ball from crossing the line.
Brian Mbeumo curled in at the near post for Brighton’s third goal with just over an hour remaining, and Danny Welbeck pulled Brighton back with a superb free-kick. United became even more erratic from this point on and got a real scare when Charampos Kostoulas headed home from a corner kick in the 92nd minute. Fortunately for the hosts, Mbeumo scored another goal seconds before the final whistle to restore their two-goal advantage.
Express Sport takes a look at how each of United’s players performed against the Seagulls…
Manchester United vs Brighton player ratings
Senne Ramens – 6
Made some decent saves and brought an air of confidence between the sticks. Neither of Brighton’s goals could be prevented.
Yoro Lenny – 6
It seemed a little wonky at times and turned over a few times, but other than that it was fine.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
Performed his defensive duties well and placed himself in a suitable position to thwart an attack.
Luke Shaw – 7
He did the basics well, showed great awareness to cover for his teammates, and got them out of some tricky situations.
Diogo Dalot – 6
He played a decent match without setting the world on fire. Most of United’s attacking play took place at the opposite end of the pitch.
Casemiro – 7
He assisted Cunha’s goal with a well-timed pass into space. Fortunately, he was able to double United’s lead with a deflection.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
He sets the tempo in the engine room, moves forward and gets involved in the attack. Captain’s performance.
Amado – 7
He caused Brighton a lot of problems on the right flank. He was fouled in the penalty area and was denied a penalty.
Matheus Cunha – 9
He used great technique to score the first goal and was a major threat throughout the match. His best performance in a United shirt.
Brian Mbeumo – 9
He showed real quality with the ball and his tireless efforts were rewarded with two important goals. The best player on the pitch.
Benjamin Sesco – 7
I was impressed with the build-up play that allowed Cunha and Mbeumo to flourish, but my own shot chances were a bit wasted.
substitute
Aiden Heaven – 6
He played the final 25 minutes, playing on the left of United’s back three.
Patrick Dorg – 4
Luckily he avoided a red card for bringing down Yankuba Minte, and Brighton scored from the free-kick.
Coby Mainou – 5
It wasn’t very safe in the middle of the park. United looked much stronger before he was brought on.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
He came on after Brighton’s goal to try to tie things up. It worked, but it could have been better.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
They looked in good spirits as they had a rare chance to make a good impression up front, but Kostoulas conceded and cost Brighton their second goal.
