Man Utd player ratings vs Brighton: Bryan Mbeumo makes it three in a row! Summer signing bags double after Matheus Cunha opens account in style as Red Devils survive late scare

Man Utd Brighton GFX

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha paid off sizeable chunks of their big transfer fees with spectacular displays as Manchester United beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 to record three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time in 20 months. Cunha netted his first for the club to open the scoring while Mbeumo struck twice, his last goal seeing off the growing threat of a Brighton comeback.

United had lost their last three home games against Brighton by a combined scoreline of 8-3, with Graham Potter, Roberto de Zerbi and Fabian Hurzeler all enjoying famous wins at Old Trafford. But this game felt different from the start. Fired up by beating Liverpool last week, United flew into their opponents and could have scored early when Fernandes missed the target with a header or when Cunha's rocket which was well saved by Bart Verbruggen.

United had a strong penalty claim turned down when Amad Diallo fell from a challenge from Maxim De Cuyper but they didn't need one as soon after Cunha swept the ball into the bottom corner to finally score his first goal in his ninth appearance in all competitions. Casemiro doubled United's lead with a massive deflected goal. Brighton had a couple of chances on the counter but United seemingly wrapped the game up when Mbeumo scored.

But the game was in fact far from done. United old boy Danny Welbeck fizzed in a free-kick in the 74th minute to give the hosts goosebumps before Charalampos Kostoulas cut the deficit down to one goal early in added time with a thumping header. United weathered the storm though and Mbeumo sealed the win with practically the last kick.

GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford...

Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Goalkeeper & Defence

Sanne Lammens (6/10):

Another confident performance, taking crosses well and getting plenty of distance with his kicks. Might have done better with Welbeck's free-kick but it was a great strike and he then flew across goal to thwart Ferdi Kadioglu.

Leny Yoro (6/10):

Dealt well with Brighton's counters thanks to his pace and connected well with the midfield.

Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

Another imposing display from one of United's most consistent but most underrated performers this season.

Luke Shaw (5/10):

Not the most convincing display but got away with his biggest errors. He was beaten by Yankuba Minteh, who then failed to shoot; he had a pass blocked by Kadioglu which went out of play while he grappled with Georginio Rutter just before Mbeumo scored.

Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Midfield

Amad Diallo (7/10):

Caused Brighton plenty of problems with his trickery but also showed his intelligence, playing clever passes and showing good movement. Should have been awarded a penalty.

Casemiro (8/10):

Another monstrous display from a player who is having a resurgence to rival Maguire's. His physical presence allowed United to win key high balls while his experience is also giving United the edge at the moment. Laid the ball off for Cunha to score and then netted himself, albeit with the biggest deflection ever. Got a thunderous reception when he was taken off and it was fully deserved.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

A fine performance to celebrate his 300th game for the club. Drove the team forward with his incisive passing and was desperate to score.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Showed why he is getting the nod ahead of Patrick Dorgu with a quietly impressive display, even if his wayward shot was ill-advised.

مانشستر يونايتد ضد برايتون

Attack

Matheus Cunha (8/10):

Showed he meant business with his thunderous early effort before producing a silky finish to score. He showed clever link-up play and a streetwise edge at Anfield but fans really wanted to see his talismanic qualities and he provided them today.

Benjamin Sesko (6/10):

His finishing let him down, particularly when he thrashed Mbeumo's lay-off wide. But he worked his socks off and is continuing to show he is getting on the same wavelength as his team-mates, assisting Mbeumo's first.

Bryan Mbeumo (9/10):

Built on his brilliant display at Anfield with another standout performance. Linked up well with Amad again, created a great chance for Sesko and produced a clinical finish to score the third. Nearly scored again when he hit the post then got United out of jail with his cracking second.

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Subs & Manager

Ayden Heaven (7/10):

A strong display from the bench, making a crucial tackle and then playing the ball from which Mbeumo killed the game.

Patrick Dorgu (5/10):

Could have been sent off when he clipped Minteh.

Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

Lacked the powerful presence of Casemiro and when he replaced the Brazilian Brighton got back into it.

Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

Held the ball up well but didn't create much danger. Beaten at the near post for Brighton's second goal.

Manuel Ugarte (N/A):

Replaced Cunha in the 82nd minute.

Ruben Amorim (7/10):

An even better performance than at Anfield and proof that his project is slowly coming to fruition, even withstanding the nervy finish.