Manchester United triumph as Mbeumo brace seals thrilling win

Published: 26 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Brighton at Old Trafford, marking their third consecutive Premier League win and reigniting momentum in an otherwise challenging season. The game, however, was far from straightforward, with United clinging on late before Bryan Mbeumo’s second strike in stoppage time finally sealed the result. The narrow scoreline belied the intensity and drama that unfolded at the theatre of dreams, where tactical ingenuity, individual brilliance, and moments of defensive vulnerability combined to produce a pulsating encounter.

The opening stages saw both sides probing for weaknesses, but it was United’s strategic adjustments that ultimately shaped the outcome. Manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to push Luke Shaw forward from his left centre-back position played a crucial role, initially pressuring Georginio Rutter and contributing indirectly to Casemiro’s opening goal. Shaw’s positioning and anticipation disrupted Brighton’s defensive rhythm, allowing Mbeumo to exploit space for his first strike. A neat pass from Benjamin Sesko found the forward in space, and Mbeumo’s precise 20-yard finish, threading through Lewis Dunk’s legs, gave United a 1-0 advantage and sent the home crowd into raptures. Fans erupted with chants of “Ruben Amorim, Ruben Amorim,” celebrating the tactical mastery that had yielded a crucial lead.

United’s dominance continued as Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play in midfield, combining with Casemiro and Matheus Cunha to produce moments of attacking brilliance. Casemiro’s touch allowed Cunha to curl a shot past Bart Verbruggen, extending the lead and highlighting the growing chemistry among the summer signings. Cunha’s effort marked the £62.5 million acquisition’s first goal in ten appearances, a landmark that further lifted United’s spirits. Yet Brighton, resilient and determined, refused to capitulate.

In the latter stages, defensive lapses and moments of miscommunication allowed Brighton to pull back twice, keeping the match tense until the final whistle. Danny Welbeck converted a free-kick with precision, and Charalampos Kostoulas capitalized on a late corner, forcing United to hold on precariously. Despite the close finish, Amorim’s emphasis on attitude and persistence proved decisive, as United’s players maintained focus and secured victory in dramatic fashion.

Tactically, United displayed a blend of pressing intensity and clever positional play. Shaw’s forward runs and defensive interceptions were pivotal, especially in the buildup to Mbeumo’s first goal. Casemiro’s control in midfield provided stability, while Fernandes’ vision enabled creative link-ups that broke down Brighton’s structure. Brighton, meanwhile, showed glimpses of threat, particularly on the counter, but struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances against a well-drilled United defence.

Brighton’s key performers, including Rutter and Sesko, showed resilience and skill, but United’s cohesion, coupled with decisive finishing from Mbeumo and Cunha, proved the difference. The home side’s attacking combinations highlighted the team’s potential when tactical execution aligns with individual talent. Despite occasional lapses, United’s ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident, particularly in the closing stages when they faced two late goals against them.

The victory also underscored United’s capacity to extract maximum value from their summer signings. Casemiro and Cunha’s involvement in the goals, combined with Fernandes’ playmaking, reflects a squad growing in confidence and adaptability. Amorim’s deployment of Shaw as an attacking disruptor paid immediate dividends, demonstrating tactical flexibility and strategic foresight. Mbeumo’s late strike, arriving at the perfect moment, encapsulated the team’s resilience and determination to see the game through to the final whistle.

While the result provides a welcome boost, United will need to maintain consistency. With only a single home outing during a 50-day period, the team must capitalize on limited opportunities at Old Trafford while continuing to refine defensive solidity and attacking cohesion. The next fixtures will test their adaptability and ability to sustain the momentum generated by this victory.

For Brighton, the defeat is a setback but also a reminder of the margins at the top level. Despite the loss, their efforts and competitive display signal promise for future encounters. Yet United’s strategic nous, player execution, and moments of individual brilliance ensured that the points remained at Old Trafford, cementing a third consecutive league win for the first time since February 2024.

In the end, this encounter demonstrated the fine balance between tactical ingenuity and on-field execution. Manchester United combined strategic planning, sharp individual performances, and timely decision-making to navigate a challenging match. Bryan Mbeumo’s double, Fernandes’ creativity, and Casemiro’s composure in front of goal ultimately made the difference, while Amorim’s tactical adjustments provided the framework for victory. The win not only delivers three crucial points but also reinforces belief in a project steadily building momentum amid the pressures of the Premier League.