Cunha and Mbeumo duo give Manchester United a new identity
Manchester United delivered an impressive performance with a 4–2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford — their third consecutive Premier League win, lifting them temporarily into fourth place.
The spotlight shone on the £130 million duo, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who were instrumental in reshaping United’s attack.
Cunha opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a composed finish from Casemiro’s clever assist, ending his 16-game goal drought for both club and country.
Casemiro then doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a long-range strike that deflected past the Brighton keeper.
After the break, Mbeumo sealed the victory with a second-half brace, underlining his growing importance in Erik ten Hag’s new-look squad.
According to BBC analyst Simon Stone, the match showcased a clear tactical evolution under manager Rúben Amorim — Manchester United now look faster, sharper, and more fluid in attack thanks to the combination of Cunha’s strength and Mbeumo’s dynamism.
Cunha brings power, directness, and confidence in decisive moments, while Mbeumo impresses with pace, intelligent movement, and versatility in finishing. The Frenchman also completed four of five dribbles and recorded seven recoveries, highlighting his two-way contribution.
Brighton, meanwhile, struggled to cope. Midfielder Carlos Baleba, who had been tipped for a strong display, endured a frustrating afternoon and was substituted early. Manager Fabian Hürzeler admitted his side “made too many simple mistakes” and called for greater focus in training.
With this resurgence, Manchester United appear to be finding their rhythm again after a turbulent start to the season. If Cunha and Mbeumo continue their upward trajectory, supporters may well have reasons to believe in a promising Premier League campaign ahead.