Bryan Mbeumo stole the show at Old Trafford as Manchester United edged Brighton 4-2 in a pulsating Premier League clash that had everything – goals, drama and a nerve-shredding finale.
The win marked United’s third consecutive league victory, a feat they had not achieved since February 2024, and lifted them into the top four. Erik ten Hag’s side looked home and dry after an hour, but Brighton refused to roll over, forcing a late scare before Mbeumo’s cool head sealed the deal.
Matheus Cunha got the party started, ending his 16-match goal drought with a well-taken strike that sent the Stretford End roaring. The Brazilian forward, desperate to prove his worth after a frustrating start to life at United, pounced on a loose ball and buried it past Bart Verbruggen to break the deadlock.
Moments later Casemiro doubled the lead when his drive from outside the box took a wicked deflection and wrong-footed the Brighton keeper. The visitors were wobbling, and United sensed blood. Mbeumo, already tormenting the Seagulls’ defence, made it three before the hour mark. A slick passing move saw him slip through the back line and tuck a precise finish into the bottom corner.
At 3-0 the game looked over, but former United man Danny Welbeck had other ideas. With 16 minutes remaining, the veteran striker curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner to give Brighton a glimmer of hope. It was a reminder of his quality and a moment that silenced the home crowd for the first time all evening.
The tension ratcheted up again deep into stoppage time when Charalampos Kostoulas ghosted in at the near post to nod home a clever flick, making it 3-2. Suddenly the comfortable evening had turned into a nail-biter. United, so dominant earlier, were clinging on as Brighton poured forward in search of an equaliser.
But Mbeumo was not done. With seconds left on the clock, the Cameroon international showed nerves of steel to lash home from twelve yards, thumping the ball high into the net to finally kill off Brighton’s resistance.
Old Trafford erupted in relief and celebration as Mbeumo wheeled away to soak in the applause. It was a performance full of pace, precision and purpose, and one that underlined his growing importance to Ten Hag’s reshaped attack.
United march on, their top-four charge gathering momentum, while Brighton are left to wonder what might have been after a spirited late fightback. For Mbeumo, it was a night to remember – a true masterclass from a man in sparkling form.