Old Trafford was alive with energy as Manchester United continued their resurgence in the Premier League, overpowering a determined Brighton & Hove Albion side 4–2. The game, played under crisp evening skies, offered fans a spectacle of attacking prowess, tactical ingenuity, and individual brilliance. One of the evening’s standout moments came from Matheus Cunha, who scored his first goal for the Red Devils, giving his manager Ruben Amorim’s side their third consecutive league victory and further consolidating their momentum in a campaign filled with high expectations.
This thrilling encounter provided everything football fans could hope for — blistering counterattacks, moments of individual skill, defensive lapses, and a tactical chess match that swung back and forth from start to finish. While United ultimately claimed victory, Brighton’s resilience ensured that the scoreline did not fully reflect the tenacity of their performance.
A High-Octane Opening
From the first whistle, both teams showcased attacking intent. Manchester United, buoyed by their recent string of positive results under Amorim, immediately sought to assert dominance in midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro orchestrated play, probing Brighton’s defensive lines with quick one-touch combinations and intelligent movement.
Brighton, however, were undeterred. Graham Potter’s side demonstrated their trademark tactical flexibility, frequently switching play and exploiting spaces in behind United’s backline. Leandro Trossard and Kaoru Mitoma tested the hosts early, with sharp runs and curling shots from distance that forced goalkeeper André Onana into alert saves.
Despite Brighton’s intent, it was United who drew first blood. A perfectly timed cross from Marcus Rashford found the head of Matheus Cunha, who made a decisive run into the box. Cunha’s composure was evident; his finish was clinical, slotting past Brighton’s keeper Jason Steele to open his account for the club.
The Old Trafford crowd erupted. Cunha’s goal was not just a personal milestone but a statement of intent from a United side seeking to cement their attacking identity under Amorim.
Brighton Responds with Vigor
Brighton, far from disheartened, responded with characteristic resilience. Within ten minutes of Cunha’s opener, they equalized through a well-worked team move. Pascal Groß delivered a precise cross from the right flank, met by Trossard, whose deft header found the bottom corner.
The goal ignited Brighton’s confidence. They began controlling possession in midfield, utilizing Solly March and Alexis Mac Allister to link play and stretch United’s defensive shape. Their tactical fluidity caused moments of uncertainty at the back, particularly as Casemiro and Fernandes juggled between defensive responsibilities and orchestrating attacks.
The remainder of the first half was a flurry of attacking exchanges. Rashford’s speed repeatedly threatened Brighton’s full-backs, while Cunha’s movement off the ball created pockets of space for Fernandes and Anthony Martial. At the other end, Trossard and Mitoma continually probed, forcing United into split-second decisions that highlighted both the defensive strengths and areas for improvement of the hosts.
United Regain the Lead: Cunha’s Debut Brilliance
The turning point of the match came just before halftime. United orchestrated a swift counterattack after Brighton failed to capitalize on a promising build-up. Fernandes picked out Cunha with a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area. The Brazilian striker’s first touch was sublime, and his second — a calm finish into the bottom corner — restored United’s lead at 2–1.
This goal marked Cunha’s first for Manchester United, and it demonstrated his ability to combine movement, intelligence, and precision finishing. It also reinforced the growing understanding between Fernandes and Cunha, a link that Amorim will undoubtedly look to exploit in upcoming fixtures.
Brighton, despite the setback, refused to retreat. Potter made subtle tactical adjustments, encouraging his wingers to stay wide and exploit United’s occasional vulnerabilities in the channels.
Second Half High Drama and Tactical Shifts
The second half intensified as both teams sought to assert dominance. Brighton started strongly, pushing higher up the pitch and creating multiple half-chances through rapid combination play. United, however, remained composed, relying on the calm distribution of Casemiro and the precise passing of Fernandes to control transitions.
United’s third goal arrived in the 62nd minute. A beautifully executed sequence involving Rashford, Martial, and Cunha culminated in Martial finishing from close range after Cunha’s clever run drew Brighton defenders out of position. The goal exemplified United’s fluidity in attack and their ability to punish defensive lapses with clinical precision.
At 3–1, the momentum seemed firmly in United’s favor, but Brighton demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the Premier League’s most tactically astute sides. In the 70th minute, Mac Allister converted a penalty after Martial was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. The goal brought Brighton back to within a single strike at 3–2 and reignited tension within the stadium.
Cunha Seals Victory Individual Brilliance Meets Team Cohesion
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute. United capitalized on a swift transition, with Fernandes spotting Cunha making a darting run into the box. Cunha controlled the ball with elegance and fired a precise shot into the far corner, completing his brace and effectively sealing the match at 4–2.
The goal was a culmination of United’s attacking philosophy under Amorim — quick passing, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing. Cunha’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, not only for his goals but also for his contribution to linking play and creating space for teammates.
Brighton pressed in the final ten minutes but lacked the composure and final touch to mount a meaningful comeback. Onana made a key save from Mitoma, and United’s defenders maintained discipline in crucial moments, ensuring that the victory was never seriously threatened.
Tactical Analysis Amorim vs. Potter
The match was as much a tactical battle as it was a showcase of individual talent.
-
Manchester United:
-
-
- Amorim’s side demonstrated a high defensive line complemented by compact midfield pressing, forcing Brighton into hurried decisions.
- Cunha’s movement was central to United’s strategy, pulling defenders out of position and creating space for Rashford and Fernandes.
- Transitions were quick and purposeful, with Martial and Rashford exploiting spaces behind Brighton’s full-backs.
-
-
Brighton:
- Potter’s team maintained fluidity, frequently switching play and using width to stretch United’s defensive lines.
- The midfield trio of Mac Allister, Groß, and March orchestrated quick ball circulation but were occasionally caught out by United’s counterattacks.
- Defensive coordination was tested, particularly against Cunha’s intelligent runs, highlighting an area for refinement in upcoming fixtures.
Player Performances
- Matheus Cunha: Undoubtedly the standout performer. His two goals were clinically executed, and his off-the-ball movement created multiple scoring opportunities for teammates.
- Bruno Fernandes: The creative heartbeat of United. His vision, passing range, and calm decision-making under pressure were instrumental in both of Cunha’s goals.
- Marcus Rashford: Provided pace, width, and directness. His crosses and runs consistently stretched Brighton’s backline and created openings for Cunha and Martial.
- André Onana: Key saves maintained United’s lead during Brighton’s surges, particularly in the first half when the visitors had multiple half-chances.
- Kaoru Mitoma & Leandro Trossard: For Brighton, these two were constant threats. Their movement and skill tested United’s defense repeatedly, demonstrating why they are crucial to Potter’s attacking philosophy.
Implications for the Premier League
The victory carries significant momentum for Manchester United. Securing a third consecutive league win not only boosts confidence but also solidifies United’s position among the league’s competitive elite. It demonstrates that Amorim’s tactical approach is taking hold, blending youthful exuberance with experienced composure.
For Brighton, the defeat is a reminder of the fine margins at the top level. Despite the loss, they displayed resilience, tactical awareness, and the ability to exploit weaknesses. Potter’s side will look to rectify defensive lapses while maintaining their attacking creativity.
The performance also highlights the growing influence of Brazilian talent in the Premier League. Cunha’s debut impact reinforces the importance of scouting and integrating international talent into the English game.
Also Read:
- SBOTOP: Brazil Stun England 2–1 as Sarina Wiegman’s Reigning European Champions Fall Short in Manchester Friendly
- SBOTOP: Oxford United Spoil the Party at Hillsborough with 2–1 Triumph Over Sheffield Wednesday
- SBOTOP: Zan Vipotnik at the Double as Swansea City Overcome Norwich 2–1 to Pile Pressure on Under-Fire Boss Liam Manning
