Man Utd won 4-2 against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday to climb up the Premier League table again.
Steven Railston
Steven Railston
Mbeumo was very good against Brighton
Mbeumo was very good against Brighton
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"We'll back him from the Stretford End, he'll turn the Reds around," was aired from the Stretford End following Manchester United's second goal against Brighton.
Amorim has enjoyed what could be a tenure-defining six days. United moved up to fourth in the Premier League table and sit three points adrift from Arsenal at the summit.
It felt like Amorim had a mountain to climb after defeats to Grimsby Town and Manchester City, but wins bring positivity and Amorim has now overseen three on the bounce in the league. Liverpool had to be the turning point and United built on that performance against Brighton despite a nervy ending.
The last time United won three league games in a row was in February 2024. Erik ten Hag was on the ropes shortly after that run, but Amorim has managed to get up from the canvas.
Brighton had won six of their past seven league fixtures against United. The Seagulls were also trying to become the first Premier League club to win four in a row at Old Trafford. The unwanted records stacked up last season, but Brighton didn't leave Manchester with a slice of history this weekend.
There was a rousing rendition of 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' before kick-off. "We've seen it all, we've won the lot," echoed around the ground once the game kicked off. Amorim was quickly down on his haunches to scan from pitch level.
United considered Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window, but Brighton valued the midfielder in excess of £100million and had planned to keep him at the Amex Stadium for at least another season.
Baleba has made an unconvincing start to the campaign. Fabian Hurzeler has suggested his form has dipped due to the noise around his future, but he started the midfielder at Old Trafford.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were present in the directors’ box. They have the power to sanction a move for Baleba, who would have seen the game as a transfer audition.
Baleba's first notable involvement was a tame shot from the edge of the box in the first half. He dragged his shot wide, the Stretford End sarcastically cheered and Brighton's analysts shook their heads.
Amorim was shaking his head shortly afterwards when Anthony Taylor failed to award a penalty when Amad was brought down to the ground. Amorim vented to the fourth official, which is not often seen.
United used that refereeing decision to spur them on - and Cunha opened the scoring moments later. He finished brilliantly into the bottom right corner after a spell of sustained pressure and was mobbed by his teammates. The Brazilian's first goal since signing from Wolves was worth the wait.
The atmosphere cranked up another notch following Cunha's goal and his international colleague, Casemiro, extended the advantage with a heavily deflected effort.
Amorim calmly fist-pumped on the touchline while Senne Lammens celebrated with the supporters behind his goal. Amorim conducts himself like a United manager should on the touchline during games. His popularity will continue to soar if United can continue to climb the Premier League table.
United academy graduate Danny Welbeck will celebrate his 35th birthday next month, but he is not slowing down with age and returned to Old Trafford as one of the most in-form strikers in the country.
Welbeck had scored four goals in his last three games, however, he came up against one of the most in-form defenders in the league. Matthijs de Ligt is enjoying a superb campaign and was solid again.
There were huge cheers for De Ligt when he made an exceptional recovery challenge at the beginning of the second half. The matchgoing supporters are aware of his importance this season.
There were even bigger cheers when Bryan Mbeumo scored his first. Mbeumo has been a brilliant addition and has needed no time to settle after signing from Brentford. The Cameroon international is a goal machine and netted again during added time to notch his fifth of the campaign.
United's recruitment hit rate has been shocking in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, but Mbeumo and Cunha had Premier League experience on their CV and are both players with United DNA.
Bruno Fernandes made his 300th appearance for the club against Brighton and dictated play from the deeper role again. Fernandes wanted United to sign personalities in the summer - and they have. Amorim overhauled the attack in a single window, and the investment was worth every penny.
United never make it easy for themselves, though. Amorim will not be pleased with Brighton's late surge, and their two late goals are a stark reminder that there is still plenty more work to do.
But Amorim has finally put United on the right track.