Manchester United’s Carrington training centre has seldom sounded so bright and breezy. The mood is absolutely electric after the club’s landmark win at Anfield last weekend, its first away win over Liverpool in nearly 10 years. After that win and an upturn in their results of late, Ruben Amorim will be full of belief ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United riding a wave of confidence
Amorim’s men began to find rhythm before the international break with a convincing win against Sunderland. But something felt transformative in the 2-1 win over Liverpool. For months, injuries, patchy performances, and squad shortages tested Amorim’s serene confidence. Now, with successive wins and players returning, he is finally nearing the shape and depth of squad he has sought since joining Manchester nine months ago.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim last winter introduced a new tactical identity to United. His 3-4-1-2 formation raised some doubts when he started but there are signs that players are playing for it now. The return to full fitness of Mason Mount has breathed energy into transitions from midfield. United’s attack also has more fluidity to it, with Matheus Cunha registering enhanced chemistry upfront.
And perhaps most importantly, the manager has been managing, not refereeing. The list of injuries, long and disruptive at one point, has become shorter.
The rare luxury of a full-strength squad
Lisandro Martinez is once again the only confirmed absentee, recovering a serious ACL injury suffered previously this year. The MEN Sport report adds Argentine defender is likely to be back in full training by the beginning of November. And Noussair Mazraoui, who was a doubt for the Liverpool match, is among the substitutes. That leaves Amorim able to pick from nearly his entire squad for the first time in his reign — a luxury few Premier League managers ever have.
This about-turn is in stark contrast to last season’s constant counter of injury mayhem. At different points, United had to play without senior defenders Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia, midfielders Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo. The Portuguese manager confessed in December that the scenario had disrupted his plans. Even when players were fit, Amorim rotated his squad carefully to handle the jam-packed fixture list.
Now, with no European commitments, United can recover and rebuild properly. Those regaining fitness are being rewarded. Mount has been one of the biggest beneficiaries, rediscovering the creativity that marked him as an astute signing.
The challenge for Amorim now is to sustain this fitness and forge consistency. With no European distractions, United have a real chance to create a rhythm of results.
Author’s Opinion : A crucial test of progress
Saturday’s clash with Brighton is not just another game — it is a proving ground for whether Amorim’s developing Manchester United can turn temporary confidence into sustained stability. The Seagulls have also generally proved to be stubborn opposition for United in the past, their high pressing and structured passing often causing problems even for stronger sides.
United’s recent progress is about more than tactics, it’s about belief. For the first time in months, it feels as if the club and the supporters and the manager are working together. A victory this weekend would further fortify that link and allow the world to know for sure that Manchester United is indeed taking its first steps on a bright new path with Ruben Amorim guiding the way.
After a year of turbulence and change, Amorim may not quite yet have all he requires — but for the first time, he feels like he’s truly close.
