MATHEUS Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were the best players on the pitch as Manchester United just about got over their fear of Seagulls with a 4-2 win over Brighton.
Cunha’s slick opener, Casemiro’s deflected strike and Mbeumo’s double saw United win three Premier League games in a row for the first time since February 2024.
As a result, Ruben Amorim’s side moved FOURTH in the table, with former United striker Danny Welbeck scoring a late free-kick after a sloppy Patrick Dorgu mistake set up a nervy finish.
Amorim’s dismal substitutions threatened to ruin what was nearly a perfect night, as Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner in stoppage time before Mbeumo doubled the home side’s win in the final minute.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated each United player’s performance…
Senne Lammens – 6
It’s the simple things. Lammens came off his goal line to collect a ball in behind and had firm hands on Welbeck’s first chance of the game inside 15 minutes.
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Collected another corner before renditions of “Are you Peter Schmeichel in disguise” rang out. Backed it up with a Schmeichel-like throw out to add to his long ball tag.
The Belgian’s cat-like reactions saw him tip a curling Brighton effort away from his post but he should have collected Welbeck’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Better from Dalot who has really struggled this season.
The Portugal full-back came in handy with some crucial headed clearances as United tried to preserve their lead.
Matthijs De Ligt – 7
Was left high and dry on the half-way line by the leading English scorer in the Prem Welbeck, who crossed into Minteh for his offside sitter in the opening
In his quest to push United forward, the Dutchman was left out of position for Minteh’s glorious run minutes after United’s opener.
Leny Yoro – 6
The French youngster is still finding his feet at Old Trafford and struggled in the first half.
He caught Yasin Ayari for a free-kick inside 10 minutes and set a horror pass into the middle of no man’s land shortly after.
Luke Shaw – 6
Controversially stopped Georginio Rutter in his tracks to send the ball into Benjamin Sesko who set up 3-0, with VAR refusing to back to check for a foul.
That was the England star’s final contribution before he went down injured and was subbed to manage his minutes just after the hour.
Amad Diallo – 7
Brighton star Maxim De Cuyper made contact with Amad for what looked like a clear penalty before Anthony Taylor waved on.
Amad was a threat throughout but wasn’t quite at the level of Mbeumo and Cunha.
Casemiro – 8
A goal and an assist for the 33-year-old Brazil captain who is out of contract next summer. Another great showing won’t help Kobbie Mainoo’s aim to get minutes.
His deflected strike calmed nerves in the first-half after he had endured difficult moments when his wayward passing under pressure stalled United’s early attacks.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
After his world class assist at Anfield on Sunday, Fernandes’ no-look lobbed pass over to Casemiro set up Cunha’s opener.
United target Carlos Baleba beat the skipper, on his 300th club appearance, to loose balls twice in the opening three minutes.
But Fernandes did his defensive duties well thereafter and almost set up another early in the second half.
Matheus Cunha – 9
Roy Keane said Cunha’s passion for football cannot be coached and he was the best player on the pitch.
An incredible finish for his first United goal came at a crucial point in the 24th minute after Anthony Taylor was getting it from the home crowd following several contentious decisions to not award fouls for those in Red.
The Brazilian had hit the side netting opening exchanges and his slick feet had Old Trafford on their feet before forcing a big save from Bart Verbruggen minutes later.
Benjamin Sesko – 6
The 22-year-old seemingly suffered the same lack of service as Ramus Hojlund did at United. The £74m signing had zero touches in the first 10 minutes.
But the service couldn’t be blamed when blazed a chance for 3-0 over the over after a poor first touch took the ball away from him on the stroke of half-time.
Had ample time before firing a shot straight at Verbruggen in the second-half but bagged an incredible through-ball assist for Mbeumo’s goal.
Bryan Mbeumo – 9
Mbeumo embodies everything that a United player should be. He is blistering down the wing and has one of the best first touches in the league.
After silencing Anfield inside 60 seconds last week, the Cameroon star’s cross was headed wide by Fernandes inside the first 34 seconds here.
Passionate Mbeumo, who led the press again, was still arguing with the linesman after the celebrations for Cunha’s opener. Got back and defended at 3-1.
His cool finish confirmed all three points in the 96th minute.
SUBS
Ayden Heaven (for Shaw ‘64) – 7
Crucial interception stopped Brighton in their tracks with 15 minutes left.
Bagged an assist too when his long pass into Mbeumo secured vital victory.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Casemiro ‘69) – 4
Received an incredible reception from the home crowd when he came on. But Mainoo was sloppy in possession in the final 15 minutes after 3-1.
Patrick Dorgu (for Amad ‘69) – 2
Completely wrecked things and turned the tide against United instantly after coming on when his short pass was intercepted by Brighton on the half-way line.
The full-back then booked for bringing down Minteh who was through on goal. Welbeck scored the free-kick to set up a nervy finish.
Manuel Ugarte (for Cunha ‘81) – 3
Was another disastrous sub after losing countless balls in his 10-minute cameo.
The midfield was non-existent.
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Joshua Zirkee (for Sesko ‘82) – 3
Did well to try and hold the ball up high with United wide open after Welbeck made it 3-1.
Fell asleep and was easily beaten at the front post by Kostoulas for 3-2
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