The “one step forward, one step back” pattern that haunted Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United finally seems to have broken. After weeks of uncertainty, the Portuguese coach’s side made it three wins in a row with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton, following earlier triumphs against Sunderland and Liverpool.

A statement win at Old Trafford

United’s performance showcased both promise and vulnerability — a reminder that nothing ever comes easily for the club. Two goals from Bryan Mbeumo and one each from Matheus Cunha and Casemiro sealed the win, though Amorim was forced to watch nervously as Brighton came from 3-0 down to make it 3-2 before Mbeumo’s late strike put the result beyond doubt.

For the first time since February 2024, Manchester United have recorded three consecutive Premier League victories, a milestone that finally gives Amorim the “momentum” he had lamented lacking just weeks ago.

“The result was really important and also the performance,” Amorim said post-match. “It would not be Manchester United without a bit of suffering, but I think we deserved to win against a very, very good team.”

Amorim’s tactical clarity

The win was not just about effort — it was about Amorim’s tactical precision. After criticism over his inconsistent start, the coach got it right for a second consecutive week, following the impressive win over Liverpool.

Against Brighton, Amorim instructed Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt to follow forwards Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck into midfield, a bold high-pressing strategy designed to disrupt Brighton’s buildup. It occasionally left gaps for runners, but it paid off handsomely.

Cunha opened the scoring with his first United goal since his summer transfer from Wolves, before Casemiro’s deflected long-range effort made it 2-0. Mbeumo’s low shot through a defender’s legs added a third, giving United control before Brighton hit back late on.

“That was the plan,” Amorim said. “When we have Harry Maguire, we can defend the box better and play lower. But with players like [de Ligt] and Luke Shaw, we can press higher.”

Recruitment finally paying off

This result also validated the club’s summer transfer strategy led by CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. After struggling for goals last season, United invested in proven attackers — Mbeumo, Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko — and the difference is already visible.

Cunha’s tireless pressing, Casemiro’s leadership, and Mbeumo’s sharp finishing gave United the cutting edge they had been missing. Amorim’s system, once questioned, now seems to have found balance between structure and freedom.

Brighton’s late fightback

Even as Brighton clawed their way back with goals from Danny Welbeck (a stunning free kick) and Charalampos Kostoulas (a header), United’s improved attacking rhythm saw them hold firm. Mbeumo’s stoppage-time goal ended the contest, sparking relief among players and fans alike.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised United’s intensity, saying, “They pressed well in the first half — much more intense, much more compact. More individual quality, so the money was well invested.”

A turning point for Amorim

Amorim’s Manchester United had previously struggled against mid-table sides, managing wins only over Everton, Fulham, and Aston Villa. Adding Brighton to that list marks a shift in the narrative.

“I think it was a more complete performance,” Amorim reflected. “We had the ball, created chances, defended high, defended low. It was a little bit of everything — a more complete display.”

At full-time, United moved into the Premier League’s top four, a position Amorim has not occupied since taking charge nearly a year ago. For a team long caught between potential and inconsistency, it finally feels like the tide is turning.