When Manchester United took on Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Premier League matchOld Trafford, the home side posted a 4‑2 win that stretched their league streak to three.
The game kicked off at 20:35 UK time (15:35 EDT). Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 24th minute, followed two minutes later by a deflected finish from Casemiro. United were 3‑0 up after Bryan Mbeumo struck at 61 minutes, but Brighton fought back through Danny Welbeck (74') and Babis Costulas (92'). Mbeumo sealed the result with a late brace in the 96th minute.
Background to the clash
United entered the match on the back of wins over Liverpool and Newcastle, sitting third in the table with 22 points. Brighton, under 31‑year‑old German boss Fabian Hürzeler, were hoping to climb out of a mid‑table slump after a string of draws.
Erik ten Hag, the Dutch manager of United, has been tweaking his attacking shape since the start of the season. The 54‑year‑old Erik ten Hag told reporters pre‑match that "we want to be relentless up front and keep the pressure on".
Match details and key statistics
- Possession: United 58% – Brighton 42%
- Shots (on target): United 14 (7) – Brighton 12 (3)
- Pass accuracy: United 84% – Brighton 78%
- Yellow cards: Brighton’s Patrick Dorgu (60'), United’s Lisandro Martínez (78')
The first half was dominated by United’s high line, allowing Cunha space on the left flank. Casemiro’s goal came after a quick one‑two with Bruno Fernandes, whose vision was once again on display.
Brighton’s manager Hürzeler made a "complete rejig of the midfield" at halftime, bringing on Jeremy Sarmiento, Pascal Groß and veteran James Milner. The changes paid off, as Milner’s cross set up Welbeck’s header.
Reactions from the dugouts
Ten Hag praised his side’s resilience: "We didn’t let the comeback scare us. Mbeumo’s late strike shows the character we have built".
Hürzeler, though disappointed, remained optimistic: "We showed we can hit back, but we need to tighten up defensively. The goal at 96 minutes was a cruel blow, yet it will motivate us for the next few games".
Impact on the league race
United’s win propels them to 22 points, narrowing the gap to league leaders Arsenal, who sit on 25. The three‑point haul also cements United’s position as a serious contender for a top‑four finish.
Brighton, now on 15 points, slip to 12th place. The loss heightens pressure on Hürzeler to extract points from upcoming fixtures against relegation‑battling sides.
What lies ahead
United travel to Southampton next weekend, a match that could see them close the gap on the title chase. Brighton, meanwhile, host West Ham on the following Thursday, hoping to bounce back.
Both coaches have hinted at tactical tweaks. Ten Hag is expected to rotate his midfield to keep fresh legs for the congested fixture run, while Hürzeler may adopt a more compact formation to address the defensive lapses exposed by United.
Key facts
- Final score: Manchester United 4‑2 Brighton & Hove Albion
- Goalscorers: Cunha (24'), Casemiro (34'), Mbeumo (61', 96') – Welbeck (74'), Costulas (92')
- Attendance: approx. 73,500 spectators
- Manchester United move to third in the Premier League table
- Brighton remain in the bottom half, prompting calls for tactical reassessment
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Manchester United's title hopes?
The win lifts United to 22 points, just three behind league leaders Arsenal. With ten games left, the three‑point gain narrows the margin and restores United as a realistic challenger for the championship.
What changes is Brighton likely to make after the defeat?
Coach Fabian Hürzeler hinted at tightening the back line and possibly reverting to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. He also praised the midfield reshuffle and may keep Sarmiento and Groß in the starting XI for the next match.
Who were the standout performers for United?
Besides the goal‑scorers, Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play with two assists, and the defense kept a clean sheet despite a brief Brighton surge. Casemiro’s early goal set the tone, while Mbeumo’s brace earned him Man of the Match.
When does Manchester United play their next Premier League game?
United travel to Southampton on Saturday, November 2, 2025, where they will look to maintain momentum and close the gap on Arsenal.
What was the tactical approach that paid off for United?
Ten Hag deployed a fluid 4‑3‑3 with wingers cutting inside, allowing Cunha and Mbeumo to exploit the half‑spaces. High pressing forced Brighton into errors, resulting in two early goals that defined the match.