Manchester United’s Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 25, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images.
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When the final time whistle sounded on Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday, the Old Trafford outfit found itself fourth in the Premier League table. Considering where United has languished for much of the last year or so, these are heady heights. Fourth is much closer to where everyone at the club wants to be.
After a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign, Manchester United has now won three league games in a row. Factoring in the 2-1 home victory over Chelsea in September, Ruben Amorim’s side has won four of its last five, signalling that United might finally have turned an important corner.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on October 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Against Brighton, Manchester United was potent in the attacking third of the pitch. Matheus Cunha scored his first goal for his new club while Bryan Mbeumo continued his strong start to life at Old Trafford by bagging a brace, bringing his tally for the season so far to five goals in just 10 appearances.
Benjamin Sesko wasn’t able to get himself on the scoresheet, but the Slovenian was a very effective attacking focal point, registering an assist for the Mbeumo goal to make it 3-0 to the home team. Sesko is growing into his role as Manchester United’s new number nine following his summer switch from RB Leipzig.
There are still some areas of concern for Amorim’s team. United allowed Brighton back into the game having led 3-2 and needed a stoppage time goal from Mbeumo to make it 4-2 and settle the nerves. The midfield still lacks the capacity to control matches in the way Amorim surely would like.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United applauds fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on October 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Nonetheless, Manchester United’s players are seemingly adjusting to the methods and ideas of their manager. Most notably, United is getting to grips with the system that Amorim was criticised for. The Red Devils are looking increasingly comfortable in the back three formation with wing backs.
“I have that feeling,” said Amorim when asked if the 4-2 win over Brighton was even more significant than the way victory over Liverpool last weekend. “I think it was a more complete performance. I think today we did a little bit of everything. We had the ball, we created chances, we defended high, we defended low.”
Manchester United has matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur to play before the next international break. Amorim’s team could build even more momentum to prove that at long last it is heading in the right direction. United supporters finally have good reason to be optimistic.
