As the final whistle blew on Manchester United’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton on Saturday, the team found itself sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Premier League standings. For a club that has spent much of the past year struggling, this position represents a refreshing change. Fourth place aligns much more closely with the aspirations of everyone associated with the club.
After a rocky beginning to the 2025/26 season, Manchester United has now secured three consecutive league wins. Including their 2-1 triumph over Chelsea in September, Ruben Amorim’s squad has emerged victorious in four out of the last five matches, suggesting they may have reached a pivotal turning point.
During the match against Brighton, United displayed impressive attacking prowess. Matheus Cunha celebrated his inaugural goal for the club, while Bryan Mbeumo continued his impressive form at Old Trafford by scoring twice, raising his season tally to five goals in just ten appearances.
Although Benjamin Sesko didn’t find the back of the net, the Slovenian striker played a crucial role as an offensive cornerstone, providing an assist for Mbeumo’s goal that extended the lead to 3-0. Sesko is gradually settling into his new role as Manchester United’s leading striker following his summer transfer from RB Leipzig.
Despite the victory, some concerns remain for Amorim’s squad. United allowed Brighton to close the gap to 3-2, necessitating a stoppage-time goal from Mbeumo to seal the 4-2 win and calm the nerves. The midfield continues to struggle with maintaining control over matches in the manner Amorim envisions.
Nevertheless, Manchester United’s players appear to be adapting well to their manager’s strategies and philosophies. Notably, they are becoming more adept at executing the back-three formation with wing-backs, which had previously been criticized. The Red Devils are showing increasing comfort with this tactical approach.
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)
Manchester United via Getty Images
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.
