Player Ratings: Manchester United 4-2 Brighton

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United made it three wins on the spin after beating Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday, ensuring their excellent run of form continues.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with his first goal in a United shirt, curling the ball beautifully after controlling the ball well in a packed area outside the penalty box. This was followed by a shot from Casemiro that took a wicked deflection, before going into the net to double the scoring.

Bryan Mbeumo added to the scoring with a fine shot at the near post, continuing his brilliant attacking performances.

United continued to press Brighton, but the away side got a goal back in the 74th minute after they were awarded a free-kick outside the box, which former Red Danny Welbeck converted excellently. The goal instilled some nerves in United's defending, and Brighton got another goal in stoppage time after some loose marking from a corner led to Charalampos Kostoulas tucking it in the near post.

However, United still had another goal in them, and Ayden Heaven's pass was dummied by Bruno Fernandes, with the ball falling to Mbeumo, who fired it into the net to make it 4-2 and seal the win.

Here are the player ratings for Saturday's win:

Senne Lammens 6

Did very well throughout most of the game, coming out to claim crosses and making some decent stops. Saved excellently from a curling strike, before denying he had made a save to win a goal-kick. Probably should have done better with the free-kick, but had another good display on the whole.

Leny Yoro 6

Had a couple of rocky moments after making his first start in a while, but improved as the game wore on.

Matthijs de Ligt 7

Another stellar display from the Dutchman, who marshaled Welbeck well throughout the game and put his body on the line time and time again. Becoming United's best defender, and firmly a crowd favourite with his challenges.

Luke Shaw 7

One of his best displays as part of the three-man defence, looking comfortable and assured on and off the ball. He came off with a knock, and hopefully it is nothing serious as he has improved immensely.

Amad 8

Phenomenal at times. Looked very sharp on the ball, and was very combative off it. He is making the wingback role his own and is linking up very well with Mbeumo. Should have had a penalty in the opening few minutes.

Casemiro 8

Doubled United's lead with a deflected shot. Helped United in the press and looked uncharacteristically mobile and active. Made a number of crucial interceptions and allowed Fernandes to push forward.

Bruno Fernandes 8

Did the simple things right on his 300th appearances for the club. Set the pace of play with his passing in midfield, performing a neat turn in the first half, and proved to be the difference in quality towards the latter stages of the match, indirectly assisting Mbeumo for the fourth goal with a genius dummy. One of his best displays deep in midfield.

Diogo Dalot 6

Not the best going forward, but was solid defensively. Proved to be great in the press, particularly in the first half.

Bryan Mbeumo 9

Sublime. A constant threat on the ball and was always looking to drive United forward. Hit a beautiful goal early in the second half, before firing a powerful strike in stoppage time. The best player on the pitch, and so far, the best signing since Fernandes.

Matheus Cunha 8

Together with Mbeumo, he was a danger to the Brighton backline, and deservedly got his first goal for the club with an elegant finish. Brilliant in holding up the ball and helping United maintain the pace of play.

Benjamin Sesko 7

While Sesko was not the most clinical on this occasion, he was great at linking up the play and helped in giving his teammates space. Got an assist as he continues to find his feet at Old Trafford.

Substitutions

Ayden Heaven 6

Replaced Shaw, and was solid during his display.

Kobbie Mainoo 6

Looked slightly off the pace, but won the ball on numerous occasions. Will need game time.

Patrick Dorgu 4

Not a convincing display from the Dane, who committed the crucial foul for Brighton's first goal, after a loose pass. United looked less convincing while he was on the pitch.

Joshua Zirkzee 4

Lost his marker for Brighton's second goal, and while he huffed and puffed, he did not get into the game. Seems to be frustrated by his lack of minutes.

Manuel Ugarte 6

One of United's better substitutions, helping the team see out the win. Very good in winning the ball back for United.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 7

Made a couple of changes to the team that got the sensational win at Anfield, and the switches worked wonders, as the team followed his instructions to the tea. United's press worked perfectly and Brighton were completely flustered by his team's style of play in the first half. The substitutions, while probably the right ones theoretically, did not perform at their best. However, the team saw out the win, and made it three wins on the bounce, capping off a perfect October for Amorim.