Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Casemiro, praising the veteran midfielder’s resurgence and leadership at Manchester United after a difficult spell earlier in the season. Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, as shared on the official X account, Ferdinand discussed how the 33-year-old has silenced critics through strong performances and determination.

His recent displays have been pivotal to United’s improved results, as seen in their 4–2 win against Brighton, which was reported by Softfootball, and the team has looked more balanced and composed whenever Casemiro starts.

The former United captain pointed out how Toby Collyer, a younger midfielder, was once selected ahead of Casemiro earlier this season, which could have damaged the Brazilian’s pride. Instead, he responded like a champion, re-establishing himself as a key figure in Rúben Amorim’s side. His commanding performances in games such as United’s dramatic win at Anfield, reported by Softfootball, have shown why experience still matters in top-level football.

Ferdinand said:

Casemiro is at the back of the pack. Toby’s being called upon before him. Do you know how embarrassing that would have been for Casemiro? But for him to roll his sleeves up and say, ‘No, no, no, it ain’t happening,’ that’s what fans wanted to see.

Ferdinand then referenced Jamie Carragher’s previous comments, where the pundit suggested Casemiro should consider retirement before his form declined. Rio countered:

That was highly disrespectful. You’re talking about a five-time Champions League winner. Players can lose confidence or form, but that doesn’t erase their quality or character.

Casemiro’s recent form supports Ferdinand’s view. United have recorded five wins, one draw, and just one loss in the Premier League when he starts as compared to a poor record in his absence. His leadership, communication, and ability to control midfield transitions have helped restore order to a side that had been struggling for consistency. The importance of experienced players like Casemiro cannot be overstated in maintaining balance and discipline within the team.

Watch the video below:

Casemiro I salute you man – silenced critics, rolled your sleeves up when others around you didn’t! Just remember this guy has won the Champions League 5 times pls #Casemiro #MUFC https://t.co/8eecaTIK8X pic.twitter.com/rCKYJIc217

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 27, 2025

For Ferdinand, Casemiro’s response is the perfect example of resilience. When faced with doubt, he chose to fight, and in doing so, reminded everyone why class, professionalism, and pride still define him.

In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, shared on the official X account, the former Manchester United captain dissected how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo caused chaos for Liverpool’s defence during the 2–1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the win—sealed by a late Harry Maguire header—marked United’s third straight league triumph under Rúben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.

Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpool’s centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.

MBEUMOOOOOOO

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 20, 2025

Mbeumo, who Softfootball reported to be happy to get himself a brace in a 4–2 win against Brighton, has been electric since joining United, combining pace, precision, and positional fluidity that perfectly complements Cunha’s creative instincts.

Ferdinand said on his podcast:

Centre-halves don’t really want to go wide or step into midfield. You’ve got to take short, sharp steps in there — big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so you’re constantly second-guessing. You’re thinking, ‘Is he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?’ It’s mental warfare for defenders.

Hard work
Quality

Matheus Cunha was everywhere on Sunday

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 20, 2025

He went on to describe how United’s shape pins opponents down:

Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amad’s pushed up, the full-back can’t help, and the centre-half’s caught in no man’s land. You can’t win — that’s what makes them so dangerous.

Watch the video below:

Why Cunha & Mbeumo are a nightmare for centre backs to defend against

CC: @rioferdy5, #MUFC pic.twitter.com/eJ68lI3DPw

— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) October 24, 2025

With Amorim’s system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to United’s front line — qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.

Matheus Cunha has claimed that it is his dream come true to score for Manchester United and tells the fans that he is one of them, Softfootball reports.

The Brazilian opened his goals account for the Red Devils on Saturday as he helped Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford as fan jubilated widely and created an unbelievable atmosphere.

After the match, Cunha expressed his delight in an interview that was shared via Fabrizio Romano’s official X handle. He wrote:

Matheus Cunha: My message to Man United fans… I am one of them. This is the club I grew up watching and to be here is a mix of sensations. To help them, it is my dream come true.

Manchester United’s official X handle also posted a video of Cunha’s first goal for the club. Watch below.

Matheus takes matters into his own hands

Our no.10 is off the mark for the Reds pic.twitter.com/iyEcW0onW3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025

Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolves in the summer but was yet to score before the Brighton game and many question his acquisition considering the fact that Bruno Fernandez also plays the number 10 role and Bryan Mbeumo was also drafted in for the same purpose.

The Brazilian was even benched against Chelsea for England international, Mason Mount but he stayed calm and believed in his own abilities. Now, its paying off and he is beginning to earn more respect as a player that can handle his own in a top club. He was one of the best players against Liverpool last week and won the Man-of-the-Match Award against Brighton.

Manchester United fans will hope that his first goal for the club will be first of many just like he did for Wolves, especially in his final season where he scored 15 premier league goals with six assists.

Bryan Mbeumo expressed delight after scoring a brace for Manchester United as they humbled Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday night, Softfootball reports.

The Cameroon is quick turning into a firm fan favourite since he completed his summer move to Ruben Amorim’s side. He scored the third and fourth goal in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton to increase his tally to four this season.

In the excerpts of his interview shared via Manchester United’s official X handle, Mbeumo had a huge smile on his face while talking about his goals and vital three points for his team.

Bryan reacts to his brace pic.twitter.com/z8Ee7uV9xs

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025

Mbuemo has had 33 goals contribution since last since, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah has more than the former Brentford winger, who has continued to paint the premier league red with goals.

Interestingly, Mbeumo has scored this season against Liverpool, Sunderland and Brighton. He almost got a hat-trick against the Seagulls but his second half shot went off the right-hand post.

Here is Mbeumo and Amad Diallo doing the victory dance after securing a win over Brighton at Old Trafford. The video was shared on Manchester United’s official X handle to the delight of fans.

Saturday Night Fever! pic.twitter.com/2rfgpeEMaW

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025

Manchester United are currently in fourth position courtesy of the Brighton win, which was their third consecutive win under Ruben Amorim for the first time since he took charge of the club last season.

Bruno Fernandez made his 300th appearance for Manchester United as they defeated in-form Brighton 4-2 in the premier league match-day 9 played at Old Trafford, Softfootball reports.

The Red Devils followed up on their 2-1 away win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, making it three consecutive wins in the premier league for the first time under Ruben Amorim’s reign. But most importantly, Manchester United have NEVER lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when leading at half time with the record standing at 301 wins, 25 draws and zero defeats in 326 games.

Manchester United’s official X handle posted this after the encounter.

And the Reds go marching ON, ON, ON! pic.twitter.com/e6JDwFJvbR

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025

Manchester United played some beautiful football in the first half and took a deserved lead through Matheus Cunha after he received the ball from fellow Brazilian, Casemiro on the edge of the box, he masterfully placed a right footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. It was his first goal for Manchester United since he joined at the summer from Wolves.

Casimiro made it 2-0 with a shot that deflected off Bart Verbruggen and that got the fans inside Old Trafford jumping and the noise increased. The Red Devils didn’t let off in the second half as Benjamin Sesko set up Bryan Mbeumo to score Manchester United’s third goal.

However, the visitors reduced the deficit through former Manchester United striker, Danny Welbeck as he curled a beautiful freekick past the Manchester United goalkeeper to make it 3-1. And soon, it was 3-2 as 18-year-old Greek forward, Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner kick inside the seven minutes injury time.

At the end of the encounter, Manchester United official X handle shared a video of players and coaches enjoying the victory with fans. Watch below.

That. Winning. Feeling.

Get in! pic.twitter.com/69WD07cW1v

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025

With pressure mounting on the Manchester United defense, the 20-time premier league champion found a way. Substitute, Ayden Heaven played a neat pass forward and Mbeumo ran onto it and applied a fierce left foot finish that made it 4-2 with virtually the last kick of the match and gained all three points for the home side.

Manchester United finished the day in fourth position with 16 points after nine matches while Brighton sit 15th with 10 points.

Bruno Fernandes has cooled talk of a 2026 summer transfer, insisting his full focus is on Manchester United until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at Carrington on October 24, 2025, the captain said no discussions about his future will happen before the tournament. His remarks echo earlier reports from Softfootball, which revealed the Portuguese star’s determination to remain loyal to the club despite heavy speculation.

Fernandes stated firmly in an interview posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:

My focus is Manchester United. My agent knows my way of working. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won’t speak to anyone.

The 31-year-old also dismissed rumours of a pre-arranged deal with a Saudi club, clarifying:

If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t made with me. I haven’t spoken with anyone.

The midfielder’s comments come as United prepare for another crucial league fixture, part of their push for a fourth straight win under Rúben Amorim, as earlier highlighted by Softfootball.

Last summer, Al Hilal reportedly offered between £80m and £100m to sign Fernandes, with a four-year deal worth €25m per year — triple his current wage. However, the United skipper turned down the move after speaking with Amorim, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. He even sought advice from Cristiano Ronaldo, who told him to value legacy over money. Fernandes added:

My family feels very well here. My kids love school. We feel at home.

Bruno Fernandes on links for next summer: “My focus is Manchester United. My agent knows my way of working”.

“If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won't talk to anyone!”, told The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/WwFV6YMnN0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2025

With United’s “Project 150” targeting major silverware, the midfielder remains driven to win both the Premier League and Champions League, as reported by Softfootball.

In a heartfelt chat ahead of his 300th Manchester United appearance against Brighton on October 25, 2025, captain Bruno Fernandes opened up about his journey, ambitions, and loyalty to the club.

Speaking candidly, the Portuguese midfielder, who Softfootball earlier reported about for remaining committed to Manchester United despite Saudi interest, said that his dream of lifting major trophies still burns brightly.

"This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."@B_Fernandes8 on the prospect of making his 300th United appearance tomorrow pic.twitter.com/aXVzhIX8Vk

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2025

As posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, Fernandes said:

My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United. I haven’t been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear.

Since arriving in January 2020, Fernandes has registered 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 matches, collecting two domestic cups along the way. Yet, he admits the biggest prizes are still missing. He added:

People will see me as a better player when I win something bigger with the team.

Bruno Fernandes: “My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United”.

“I haven't been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear”. pic.twitter.com/H1X1DgIHDl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 24, 2025

The midfielder revealed he turned down a £100 million offer from Al Hilal last summer, after consulting Cristiano Ronaldo and club chiefs. He said firmly, dismissing talk of a pre-agreement for 2026:

I wasn’t eager to move… I wanted to stay at the club.

The United captain reflected on his milestone moment, saying that playing 300 times for the club is far beyond anything I dreamed of. He added:

As a kid, I played football 24/7. That same kid is still inside me, hungry and happy every time I step on the pitch.

As Manchester United prepare to host Brighton at Old Trafford, Fernandes believes the team is evolving in the right direction. He said:

We’re growing, and we know what we have to do: win the next game, one at a time.

For Bruno Fernandes, 300 appearances are not the finish line, as it is just another step in his mission to bring glory back to Manchester United.

Manchester United will look to stretch their winning run to four games when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Rúben Amorim’s men have started to click, and the mood around the club is beginning to change—especially after that stunning 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, as reported by Softfootball. It was United’s first league victory there in a decade and probably the most defining result of Amorim’s early reign.

The Red Devils have now won three straight Premier League matches for the first time under the Portuguese boss. Confidence is back at Old Trafford, where they have taken three wins on the bounce. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, as reported by Softfootball, said he is hitting his prime years at Manchester United and has quietly become a rock at the back. Amorim’s tactical structure is working — solid, sharp, and focused — but Brighton’s visit won’t be a stroll.

Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive unbeaten in four league games after seeing off Newcastle 2–1. They have got the youngest average starting XI in the league, full of energy and ideas. Still, one clean sheet in twenty matches tells its own story. Oddly, Brighton have dominated this fixture — six wins in the last seven meetings and three straight at Old Trafford. No side has done that since Manchester City in the late ‘60s.

Team News

Manchester United: Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from an ACL injury but has resumed partial training. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are being checked for minor issues, while Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are available.

Brighton: Adam Webster, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Brajan Gruda are ruled out. Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma could return after light training, while Diego Gómez remains a doubt.

Possible Lineups

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck.

Manchester United, via their official X account, announced their Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Liverpool, which could shift momentum for new manager Ruben Amorim amid fan pressure.

Back home on Saturday pic.twitter.com/1bmignVFbd

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 22, 2025

Softfootball’s Prediction

It feels like United are finally finding rhythm under Amorim, but Brighton’s movement and bravery in attack make them tricky to contain. Bryan Mbeumo, who’s been involved in six goals in his last four starts against Brighton, could be decisive again. On the other end, Danny Welbeck, fresh off four goals in three matches, would love to remind his old fans what they once had.

Softfootball tips a 2–1 win for Manchester United, but don’t rule out a draw — Brighton’s record at Old Trafford speaks for itself.