Manchester United claimed a third consecutive Premier League victory after a turbulent 4-2 success over Brighton & Hove Albion. The match swung several times, but Bryan Mbeumo’s second goal in stoppage time ensured all three points for the Red Devils.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before the interval after being picked out by Casemiro, a composed finish that eased early nerves. United then profited from Brighton’s loose possession: Casemiro’s long-range attempt took a heavy deflection off Yasin Ayari to find the net and stretch the lead. Benjamin Šeško squandered a clear chance just before half-time, rifling over from close range.

The visitors started the second half under pressure and United finally made the game safe after the hour. Šeško fizzed a pass into Mbeumo, who cut inside and finished low into the near post for his first of the afternoon. Brighton responded through Danny Welbeck, whose free kick beat Senne Lammens with 15 minutes remaining and shifted the momentum. A stoppage-time header from Charalampos Kostoulas then reduced the deficit, but Mbeumo’s 97th-minute close-range finish completed his brace and confirmed the result.

Player ratings reflected several strong performances. Bryan Mbeumo led the way with a 9.3 for his two goals and constant threat in the final third. Casemiro earned an 8.6 after a goal and an assist and strong midfield protection. Matheus Cunha was rated 8.4 for his opener and influence in attack. Bruno Fernandes received an 8.1 for his role as a deep-lying playmaker. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot each scored 7.4 for industrious displays, while Benjamin Šeško was given 7.6. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was marked 6.4 after a typically commanding outing that nonetheless included two late goals conceded.

Substitutes who featured included Ayden Heaven (7.2), Kobbie Mainoo (6.6) and Patrick Dorgu (6.3); Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte were introduced late and listed N/A. Unused substitutes included Altay Bayındır, Noussair Mazraoui, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.

Match statistics showed United with 43% possession to Brighton’s 57%, expected goals of 1.13 to 1.07, and a shots count of 13 to 17, reflecting a tight but decisive home victory for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim gave a terse reply to Arne Slot’s recent comments, cutting through the noise ahead of Manchester United’s home match with Brighton & Hove Albion. When pressed on Slot’s remarks at Friday’s press conference, Amorim responded simply: “I don’t care.”

He elaborated on his view of external criticism in the same briefing. “I don’t care what Slot is saying, what people are saying about our team,” he huffed during Friday’s press conference. “I can watch the game and say we can do better and we need to do better in the future but sometimes you need to adapt to the game.”

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had previously highlighted the team’s tactical adjustment against Liverpool, noting that the Red Devils played long to avoid being smothered by Liverpool’s high press, an approach that delivered the desired result after the famous Anfield victory.

Amorim left little room for outside analysis of his squad. “I don’t need anyone to evaluate my team,” Amorim added before turning his attention to the visit from Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. “I can evaluate my team and I am really clear that we should play better with the ball and we are going to try to do that in this game.”

Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has been studying United’s responses and is preparing his side for a similar long-ball strategy. “The main thing you need to understand is that it starts with the press, how you attack the goalkeeper, which centre back you want to attack,” Hürzeler explained to Sky Sports ahead of Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford. “And then make sure that you’re ready for the long ball.

“When the long ball is played, there are two things that are very important: that you try to win the second ball, and that, if you don’t win the second ball, you have good positioning for the third ball.

“Make sure that, with your last line, you always cover the inner line, so when they try to flick the ball, especially with [Benjamin] Šeško, you can defend against the deep runs from [Matheus] Cunha, from [Bryan] Mbeumo, from [Mason] Mount.

“They are very good at these things, so it’s a job for the whole team, not only of the defensive players. The main thing is to keep the compactness, make sure you have close distances, that you close the gaps, and that you’re really intense for the second ball.”

Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s public tone has come under scrutiny amid Liverpool’s poor run of form. Slot’s comment calling Newcastle United a “smaller club” while discussing Alexander Isak’s recovery was deflected by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. “I don’t think that’s wise for me to get involved in those discussions,” Howe replied. “Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won’t comment on it.”

When reminded of Newcastle’s position in the Champions League phase and their ambitions, Howe added: “The set-up is here is very good. It is not perfect, we’ve got things to improve and to grow. But the owners here have developed the facilities since I’ve been here very, very well. ]

Manchester United could be without both centre back Harry Maguire and midfielder Mason Mount for Saturday’s visit of Brighton & Hove Albion, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed. Maguire suffered a knock in training that has left him a major doubt for the game. He was the hero last time out with a late winner against Liverpool.

Amorim addressed the issue at his pre-match press briefing. “The squad is fine,” Amorim began. “We have some doubts, we had some issues during the week, with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Knocks, but nothing serious.

“Licha [Martínez] is out, but the rest is ready for the game. I think it’s always going to be like always, but it’s going to be a very difficult game. It’s a difficult team. They are fun to watch, really good with build-up, really strong with transitions in every aspect of the game and are doing well with set-pieces.”

Maguire is playing for his United future as he approaches the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford. Reports have claimed both parties are keen on an extension and Maguire is thought to be prepared to accept a pay cut to try and get a deal over the line. Amorim refused to be drawn on the negotiations.

“We are really happy with Harry,” he deflected. “It is not the time to talk about that again because that gives the idea that we are thinking so far away. We are really happy with Harry. He is really important for us, but we need to focus on the next game.

“I think it was good for him to play with the three centre backs. I think he feels more comfortable.

“He doesn’t need to go to the side so much. Sometimes, you help some players with the way you play. Sometimes, it is the opposite with some players. I am really pleased. I think he is not young, but he can learn a lot. He can improve. I think he can be so much better with the ball because he has that quality.

“He needs to show that. Nowadays, with the set-pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box, every cross from the opponent, everyone is playing the pass.

“He is a massive player for us, so I’m really happy, but he needs to continue and that game [vs. Liverpool] is in the past. The goal is in the past, let’s move into the future.”