Dance with the Devil - is this the reborn Manchester United?

Two consecutive wins, the second against Liverpool, had given Manchester United fans plenty of hope and excitement for the next match. Today, when that moment arrived, the Red Devils delivered a phenomenal performance, with goals from Mbeumo, Cunha, and Casemiro securing a 4–2 victory.

Manchester United took control early in their first-half clash against Brighton, heading into the break with a 2–0 lead.

Red Devils started brightly, with Bryan Mbeumo sending a dangerous early cross to Bruno Fernandes in the 1st minute, though the ball went wide. Just three minutes later, Mbeumo was again involved, laying off a pass to Matheus Cunha, who couldn’t get a proper shot on target. The visitors’ first attempt came in the 10th minute when Baleba struck from 25 meters, but his effort lacked power and accuracy.

Danny Welbeck, making a rare appearance against his former club, nearly caused problems in the 14th minute, running into space in the box but firing straight at Senne Lammens. Brighton continued to create moments, yet it was Manchester United who took the lead in the 24th minute. Cunha capitalized on space at the edge of the box and fired past Verbruggen to make it 1–0. The goal is HERE!

United doubled their advantage in the 34th minute thanks to a costly Brighton error in their own half. Casemiro’s long-range strike deflected off Ayari, deceiving Verbruggen and giving the Red Devils a 2–0 lead. The goal is HERE!

Brighton had one last first-half chance when Benjamin Sesko received a pass from Mbeumo and shot from the left side in stoppage time, but the effort went wide.

The second half of the match saw Manchester United maintain control for much of the period, but Brighton had their moments as well.

In the 48th minute, Bruno Fernandes unleashed a well-worked shot after a slick combination with Matheus Cunha, but Verbruggen reacted superbly to keep Brighton in the game. Eight minutes later, Benjamin Sesko capitalized on a defensive error with a powerful long-range strike, only to be denied by the goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes. Minteh came close in the 59th minute with a cross attempt that nearly turned into a goal, but Lammens’ quick reaction kept the ball out.

Manchester United finally extended their lead in the 61st minute. After a precise assist from Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo positioned himself perfectly and fired home a brilliant shot, making it 3–0. The goal is HERE! Mbeumo nearly scored again in the 71st minute with a first-time effort just outside the box, but Verbruggen spectacularly tipped the ball onto the post, resulting in a corner for United.

In the 72nd minute, Patrick Dorgu received a yellow card for a foul. The incident was briefly reviewed by VAR for a potential red card, but the referee confirmed the yellow as the correct punishment.

Brighton pulled a goal back in the 74th minute when Danny Welbeck delivered an excellent free kick that curled just under the crossbar, making it 3–1. The goal is HERE!

Only Kostoulas prevented Manchester United’s victory from being completely perfect, reducing the score to 3–2. The goal is HERE!

Manchester United fans probably held their breath after Brighton’s second goal, but their worries were quickly eased by the Cameroonian once again. Bryan Mbeumo, assisted by Aiden Heaven, beat Verbruggen to put the finishing touch on the victory. The goal is HERE!

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Leeds - West Ham 2-1 (1-0)

/Aaronson 13, Rondon 15 - Fernandes 90/

Saturday

Chelsea - Sunderland 1-2 (1-1)

/Garnacho 4 - Isidor 22, Talbi 90+3/

Newcastle - Fulham 2-1 (1-0)

/Murphy 18, Guimaraes 90 - Lukic 56/

Manchester Utd. - Brighton 4-2 (2-0)

/Cunha 24, Casemiro 34, Mbeumo 61, 90+6 - Welbeck 74, Kostoulas 90+2/

22.00: (4.20) Brentford (4.30) Liverpool (1.75)

Sunday

17.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.50) Manchester City (1.85)

17.00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.90) Nottingham Forest (4.50)

17.00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.35) Burnley (4.00)

19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***