Danny Welbeck admits Manchester United have never looked this good in years
Manchester United seem to have found their rhythm again with their recent results. After months of frustration and inconsistency, they have started stringing results together. The control that once defined them at Old Trafford is slowly returning. The home crowd finally feels that spark again.
The belief they missed for years is slowly returning. Their 4–2 victory over Brighton gave them more than just three points; it showed confidence and conviction. Danny Welbeck, who once wore United red, admitted that his old side looked the best he had seen in some time. His words carried real weight, and he offered honest praise because he knows what Manchester United look like at their best.
“WE ARE A BIT GUTTED. THERE WAS A PART OF THE GAME EARLY ON WHERE WE DOMINATED, BUT A FEW SILLY MISTAKES LED TO GOALS.
WE ARE UP AGAINST QUALITY, SO THEY WILL PUNISH YOU. IT IS A LEARNING CURVE FOR US. WE SHOWED GREAT CHARACTER AT THE END BUT IT WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH.
WE PUT OURSELVES IN A REALLY DIFFICULT POSITION. WE HAVE A GREAT GROUP, AND EVERYONE IS GOING TO KEEP FIGHTING, WHATEVER THE SCORE IS.
WE GOT TWO GOALS AND WERE CLOSE TO MAYBE GETTING A THIRD. IT DIDN’T HAPPEN, BUT IT IS A GOOD SIGN WE SHOWED CHARACTER.
IT IS THE BEST MANCHESTER UNITED SIDE WE HAVE FACED IN A WHILE. THEY WERE REALLY ORGANISED AND STRUCTURED, THEY ALWAYS HAVE INCREDIBLE PLAYERS, AND TODAY THEY REALLY PUNISHED OUR MISTAKES.
A DIFFICULT GAME, BUT ONE WE CAN LOOK BACK AND ANALYSE. I DO BELIEVE WE CAN COME HERE AND GET THE THREE POINTS.”
Quote via Metro
United’s new forward line showed ruthless precision that Brighton could not handle. Matheus Cunha scored first with confidence as he curled one from range and set the tone. Casemiro quickly doubled the lead when his strike deflected off a defender. From that moment, United controlled the game.
Bryan Mbeumo, full of pace and sharp movement, added a third. Welbeck and Kostoulas later pulled two back for Brighton. Yet when it mattered most, United’s Cameroon international struck again in stoppage time and sealed the win. The victory marked United’s third straight win and pushed them into the top four for the first time this season.
Manager Ruben Amorim, who faced heavy pressure weeks ago, steadied the team with a clear plan and stronger discipline. His methods are now bringing the results fans have waited a long time to see. During this revival, United’s name keeps appearing in transfer stories. Chelsea and Manchester United are eyeing young Bundesliga star Said El Mala, while Christian Falk denied any Bayern Munich links to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Summer signings turn praise into proof
Welbeck’s compliment, though sincere, may have stung a little. He mentioned structure and organisation, but United’s speed and execution silenced Brighton. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo now lead this new team and turn Amorim’s plans into attacking intent.
Cunha’s creativity and awareness lift United’s tempo. Mbeumo’s pace and finishing give them a sharper edge. Together, they contribute to most of United’s goals in their winning run. That progress shows how far the team has come from last season’s blunt attack.
This new confidence grows through earned results. Amorim’s system now fits his players instead of restricting them. United’s quick transitions are troubling opponents who once pressed them comfortably.
Welbeck’s claim that this is “the best Manchester United side in a while” rings true. The summer arrivals deserve credit for punishing every Brighton mistake. Fans now argue over who has the bigger impact — Cunha with his creativity or Mbeumo with his composure. Either way, the message is clear: Manchester United have not yet reached their absolute best, but for the first time in years, they move firmly in the right direction. They now make even their old players stop and take notice.
Against Brighton, Ruben Amorim’s tactical intelligence shone with a high-pressing strategy. By aggressively pushing defenders like Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt higher up the pitch to follow Brighton’s deep-lying forwards, United forced turnovers and created crucial chances, leading directly to Casemiro’s goal. This proactive approach stifled Brighton’s build-up play and became the key to United’s attacking success.