Manchester United face Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday, the same fixture last season where Ruben Amorim broke tradition and left his players stunned in the dressing room
Ruben Amorim smashed up a TV screen the last time Manchester United faced Brighton. Back in January, the Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Seagulls, a result that infamously prompted Amorim to label his team “maybe the worst in the history” of the club.
After the game, an apoplectic Amorim unleashed his fury on the players in the dressing room, slamming them for a dismal overall performance. Amid the chaos, he reportedly broke a TV screen used to share tactical information.
It was a career first for the 40-year-old, who typically keeps his post-match talks short and sweet, no matter the outcome of the game. Typically, Amorim prefers to wait until the following day to review matches with his squad, once emotions have cooled.
The outburst appeared to have an immediate effect, as United went on to win four of their next five games in all competitions. However, the season ultimately ended in disappointment.
Amorim’s team finished 15th in the Premier League – a record low for the club – and suffered defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham, missing out on Champions League qualification in the process.
READ MORE: Man Utd told to keep faith with Ruben Amorim ‘for years to come’ by ex-Red Devils star
Heading into Saturday’s clash with Brighton, the first against the Seagulls since Amorim’s TV-smashing incident, the dressing room atmosphere couldn’t be more different. Last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, sealed by a late Harry Maguire goal, has, at least temporarily, lifted spirits around Old Trafford.
The win ended United’s near decade-long wait for a win at Anfield. Players were seen celebrating jubilantly in the away dressing room, with Sky Sports cameras capturing the revelry, Bruno Fernandes and Maguire at the very heart of it.
It was United’s second consecutive league win and the first time Amorim has achieved back-to-back Premier League victories. A win over Brighton would see the team secure three straight league wins for the first time since February 2024.
That, however, will be easier said than done given United’s recent struggles against the south coast club. They have lost six of their last eight meetings with Brighton, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side completing a league double over United last season.
Amorim will be desperate to flip the script – not just for a measure of revenge, but also to sustain a rare run of momentum at Old Trafford.
Despite a recent upturn in form and improving performances, Amorim’s position as United manager remains far from secure amid reports club chiefs are considering their options. The former Sporting CP head coach will need to get his side firing consistently if he hopes to avoid the axe and that momentum must not be squandered.
Getting a result against Brighton is therefore paramount and could prove the difference between building genuine confidence or plunging United back into another period of uncertainty and scrutiny.
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