Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo underline Man Utd firepower that gives Michael Carrick a platform to build on Football News

welcome DebriefA Sky Sports column in which Adam Butt Uses a mix of data and opinion to reflect some of the key stories from recent Premier League matches. This week:

• Man U leads by two points
• Sunderland’s second-half sensation
• Brighton missed a record chance

Provides Man Utd’s extra firepower

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both took their Premier League goal tally to 10 Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. The pair join another summer signing Benjamin Sesko to bring in double figures for the campaign.

The last time United had three players reach this mark in a Premier League season was five years ago when they finished second under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They scored the most goals in the season after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Firepower makes a difference. It secured third place for United and a return to Champions League football. Their defensive record was similar to the previous year but this goal output took them 12 places up the table.

After a Premier League low of 44 goals last term, United are up to 66 with a game to play – a 50 per cent increase in a top-flight season for the first time since the Second World War. This has been achieved despite the new signings being only qualified successes.

Cunha delivered in big games in the first half of the season. Mbeumo got off to a good start but faltered after the Africa Cup of Nations. Sesko’s haul is particularly impressive as he struggles for several minutes. But United are the only team with three players in double figures.

The trio have started just seven Premier League games together. But with Bruno Fernandes returning to his usual No.10 position, there should be some optimism for the future as this is a forward line that can complement each other.

Both Mbeumo and Cescó rank in the Premier League’s top five for off-the-ball runs per 90 minutes. Cunha’s best work is on the ball, attempting over 100 dribbles – something no United player did last season. He and Fernandes can make things happen.

The summer will be busy for Michael Carrick and United as the return of European football adds even more demand. The midfield needs to be rebuilt, the defense needs to be refreshed. But arguably the most difficult positions to tackle have been filled.

Senne Lammens has been a revelation in goal and they boast the Premier League’s best playmaker in Fernandes. More will be expected in the second three seasons ahead but what this season has shown is that Manchester United now have the firepower.

Sunderland’s second-half specialists

Sunderland lacked a cutting edge in the first half of their game at Everton earlier on Sunday afternoon Things turned around strongly after the interval to win 3-1 And will put themselves in a strong position to secure European football next season.

Perhaps Everton should have expected it. Despite it being a remarkable return to the Premier League for the Black Cats under Regis Le Bris, no team in the competition conceded fewer goals in the first 45 minutes of the match. Wait before they open.

Le Brice’s replacement was a triumph. Luke O’Nien’s early introduction could be included in this, with the defender having arguably his best game at this level after coming on for the injured Omar Alderet, but it was the attacking changes that went for Everton.

Chemsdine Talbi was a positive switch in the hour for Tri Hume. After a triple replacement that adds inspiration. Wilson Isidore scored the third goal. Now neither team trailing at the break has won more matches. Le Bris’s combination worked.

“During half-time we agreed that it was important to take more risks, even if the game became a bit more unbalanced with the transition. It went well. It’s really important to mention the subs, they gave extra energy, more pressure and a bit more composure.”

‘Finishers’ who are so engaged are the hallmarks of a team that sticks together. And while there are two ways of looking at a statistic that shows Sunderland score a record 70 per cent of their Premier League goals in the second half, it’s clearly working in their favour.

Brighton makes unwanted history

Brighton are the only team to have more points than Sunderland this season after losing position at half-time. In fact, Fabian Herzeler’s side are third in the second half of the Premier League table. But they were shocked A stoppage-time loss to Leeds.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 96th-minute winner was the home side’s first shot on target at Elland Road. Brighton had 19 attempts, their expected goals total of 2.76 is the highest of an away team without scoring in a Premier League match this season.

Indeed, you only have to go back to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park four years ago to find an example of an away team having no better chances to score than Brighton in this game.

“We didn’t finish efficiently,” Herzeler said. “It’s all about creating chances and we did that, especially in the second half. We had to be very rational. When you look at it logically, we should have won the game.” Still, it can cost them.

Victory would have put the Seagulls in good position to secure at least sixth place – and potential Champions League football. Now any slip against Manchester United could see them miss out on European qualification altogether. And left to miss opportunities.