Ruben Amorim
Manchester United continued their impressive form with a thrilling victory over Brighton, securing their third consecutive league win. The match saw United initially take a commanding three-goal lead, courtesy of goals from Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, and Bryan Mbeumo. However, Brighton fought back, scoring twice in the closing stages, making for a tense finish. Mbeumo ultimately sealed the victory with a second goal in the 97th minute, ensuring United’s climb to fourth place in the Premier League table, just three points behind Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim said: “I think everyone felt against Liverpool he feels more confident if the game is harder. I really like the way he defends today. He was not jumping all the time. He was not jumping and returning to position without the right pace. Today he defends really well and when he has the ball I have no concerns. He was struggling about not scoring goals, he can try to hide. But I understand. He was really happy. But not just with Matheus, everyone understood really well how to beat a very good game.”
Amorim also praised Casemiro, saying: “I think he gives a lot of experience, he is an example for everyone. In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby [Collyer]. But he fought and worked and now he is back in the national team. He is so important to us. He ran a lot, today he had to fight and press, and then return. I’m really pleased with him. And the other guys need to look at Casemiro. To understand that football can change really fast. You just need to work for me. If I think you are the best one to play a game, then you will.”
Amorim was asked how important the victory was and said: “It was really important, also the performance, we had to play different games in different moments of the game. And I think the players understood really well what to do in every moment. We had to suffer a bit at the end, it wouldn’t be Manchester United without a bit of suffering, but we deserved the win against a very good team, a team that is hard to press against high, but we did really well. I think they [the players] are more confident, the best game we did this season was against Arsenal. But then when you are confident, you have a different spirit, that helps you to win games. That’s what I’m feeling now. We’re a little bit more free. You can say whatever you want to say against Liverpool, but Liverpool did not deserve to win that game. Today we did everything. We had the ball and created chances. So today, I liked it more today than the last weekend.”
Amorim discussed his tactical approach, adding: “That was the plan [defenders pressing with aggression]. When we have Harry Maguire we can defend better our box so we can play a little lower. But when you have players that can press high… Luke is not really tall, but he’s fast and aggressive. We can press a little higher and we know if we win the ball we have players in front of the goal. They [United’s attackers] are so good that we just need one chance when we win the ball.”
In addition to praising individual performances, Amorim highlighted the tactical flexibility shown by his team. The ability to adapt to different phases of the game was crucial in overcoming a resilient Brighton side. The manager also addressed Luke Shaw’s substitution, clarifying that it was due to a virus he had been battling during the week. Despite the challenges, United’s players demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, which were pivotal in securing the victory.
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