Manchester United will be aiming to get back-to-back wins in the new Premier League season on Saturday when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion.
Six days after losing the Community Shield to cross-town rivals Manchester City in a penalty shootout, the Red Devils left it late to bag all three points in a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford in their season opener last week. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to slot home the winner in the 87th minute for the hosts, instantly becoming a star in front of the Stretford End.
The win on the opening day of the new season should have given a lot of confidence for Erik ten Hag’s side heading into the game against Brighton, who smashed Everton away 3-0 to end match week 1 as table-toppers.
Manchester United Team News:
Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, and Tyrell Malacia all remain sidelined, as does Victor Lindelof, who is nursing a toe injury, Erik ten Hag confirmed in his pre-match press conference.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper:
Man United’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana kept a clean sheet against Fulham that should do his confidence world of good. He will be raring to shut the shop as quickly as possible at the Amex Stadium and help his team to all three points.
Defense:
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a back four of Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot are expected to protect Onana. Maguire will partner Martinez in central defense, with Mazraoui—who had a solid debut in the 1-0 win over Fulham—and Dalot operating at right-back and left-back, respectively.
The Man United backline has to be on their toes throughout the game if they are to keep an exciting Brighton side at bay.
Midfield:
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo were arguably Man United’s best performers against Fulham and the duo should continue in the middle of the park. They must read the game well and look to dictate the tempo of play, with Mason Mount operating as a creative glue from the No.10 role.
The trident of Casemiro, Mainoo, and Mount have to be efficient and disciplined on and off the ball if they are to dominate the Seagulls in midfield. Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could get minutes off the bench in the second half.
Attack:
Ten Hag is unlikely to tinker with the front three from the Fulham game even though they were wasteful in front of goal, meaning Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo start out wide to support Bruno Fernandes as a false 9. The trio must combine well in the final third to unlock a rigid Brighton defense.
Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho—the scorer and creator of Man United’s winning goal against Fulham—will get chances to make an impression off the bench.
