Brighton is truly MU's "nightmare"

MU has just beaten Liverpool 2-0, securing back-to-back wins under Amorim, yet the upcoming game against Brighton will truly measure their improvement. Remember, Brighton has triumphed in their last three away games at Old Trafford. This is a chance for MU to put an end to their "Brighton nightmare."

Amorim keeps his feet on the ground

After the impressive victory over Liverpool, MU's coach Ruben Amorim remains cautious because he understands the biggest challenge for the team isn't just beating top opponents but maintaining consistency — something the club has spent a lot of money on but failed to achieve. As a result, season after season, they disappoint. Despite buying many stars and changing managers, the Premier League title still eludes them, and this season MU won't even compete in European cups.

At this point, expectations are rising after MU's two consecutive wins, especially the remarkable triumph at Liverpool's home ground. Overall, defeating the reigning Premier League champions provided a valuable morale boost. However, amid the players' and fans' excitement, coach Ruben Amorim appeared unusually thoughtful. He knows better than anyone that Man Utd's problem isn't beating big teams but what happens afterward. Will MU continue to win, draw, or lose?

In a post-match interview, Amorim's demeanor was unlike someone who just achieved a stunning victory. He even made fans uneasy by bringing them back down to earth with a very accurate comment: "This win doesn't mean much. It matters today, but not tomorrow. It's just three points." This caution is not empty talk. It reflects exactly what we've been discussing about MU day after day and through many seasons.

The win at Anfield was only the first time Man Utd achieved two consecutive Premier League wins under Amorim after nearly 11 months in charge. History under this coach is full of moments where fans' hopes quickly turned into disappointment. For example, remember the thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City last December, which was expected to be a turning point. Yet, it was immediately followed by four straight losses across all competitions.

Even this season, after performing well in a loss to Arsenal and beating Chelsea 2-1, MU showed a disappointing side when knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town. Simply put, MU can play at their level in big matches but often stumble under pressure.

The real test for MU now isn't games against the Big Six but the upcoming clash with Brighton this weekend. The question is whether they can maintain the same focus and determination in a less high-profile match. Brighton may not compare to Liverpool, but the danger and trouble they bring are many times greater.

Brighton has what MU is seeking

Brighton will surely be confident visiting MU this time. In the 2025/26 Premier League season, the "Seagulls" have already beaten Man City, Chelsea, and Newcastle. More importantly, Brighton has won at Old Trafford in all their last three visits. They often outperform MU despite changing several managers over the years. The key difference is that Brighton's board chooses successors who build on their predecessors rather than sidelining them. This is something MU has struggled with for years and now poses a major challenge for Amorim.

Brighton has been highly skilled at exploiting MU's instability in recent seasons, especially when MU players are uncertain about their roles and positions. In fact, MU dominated early encounters since Brighton's promotion in 2017, but recent seasons tell a different story. Matches at Old Trafford have become particularly painful for the Red Devils, as shown by their last three consecutive losses to Brighton.

In the upcoming match, coach Amorim and MU defenders will need to pay extra attention to Brighton’s attacking movements, especially players like Danny Welbeck, who can stretch the defense. Additionally, the choice of playing style will be crucial and could determine the outcome.

Using a counter-attacking strategy might be the key to neutralizing Brighton's style. This means MU may continue to "yield" possession even at Old Trafford, lure the opponent forward, then execute quick combination plays, runs, and through balls, utilizing the speed of wingers and forwards to finish chances.

MU currently has a squad with many changes, and their style this season has caused significant problems for opponents. However, maintaining form and winning upcoming matches, especially against a tough opponent like Brighton, will be a major test for Amorim and his players.

If MU can secure a third consecutive win, it will mark an important milestone: ending the embarrassing streak against Brighton and opening a new chapter for the Red Devils. Otherwise... it wouldn't be surprising. But for MU fans, seeing their beloved team bow to Brighton again is something they don’t want to witness.

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