Erik ten Hag is gunning for back-to-back Premier League victories when he takes his Manchester United side to Brighton for Saturday’s 12:30 BST kick-off.
Having earned three points against Fulham at Old Trafford, the travelling contingent will hope for a repeat of May’s two-nil victory at the Amex.
Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund proved the difference on that day, with partisan home support in full voice.
However, the Seagulls have enjoyed a positive start to life under Fabian Hurzeler, impressing with a three-nil road victory at Everton.
Supporters have become accustomed to a brand of free-flowing footballing in Brighton, and the Reds will have to execute a perfect game plan on the day.
Team News
Ten Hag has supplied fresh updates ahead of the trip South, with Victor Lindelof temporarily sidelined.
“There is no confusion [about Lindelof], he has an issue on his toe,” the Dutchman told media.
“So, hopefully, he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend.
“Whereas also we have some more [issues], Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund. They are not available as well. Luke Shaw, of course.”
New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are both fit and in contention for a starting birth.
As is Joshua Zirkzee following his magnificent game-winning finish last weekend. The manager reserved special praise for his signing during his press conference.
Brighton are without Solly March and Bart Verbruggen. Both remain unavailable through injury.
But Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Evan Ferguson and Yankuba Minteh have all returned to training.
Additionally, Brian Gruda and Georgina Rutter are pushing for game time.
The facts behind the fixture
Historically, this fixture supplies goals and plenty of drama, with no stalemates in seven Premier League seasons of competition between the sides.
Interestingly, Brighton is the biggest thorn in United’s side, with the Old Trafford outfit losing 43% of their encounters during this period.
But recent form favours Ten Hag, with Hurzeler’s team losing four of their last five league fixtures at home.
Should the 20-time English champions collect three points, it will be the first time the club has won both opening fixtures since 2017-18.
How are you feeling about the fixture, and are you expecting a win?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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2 responses to “Manchester United prepare for Premier League trip to Brighton”
I think this will tell a lot about how Utd’s season will go.
If the team shows some of the intricate attacking play they showed against Fulham, then with a little more composure in front of goal, they *should* come away with the 3 points.
Brighton play a very high defensive line, which should leave space in behind for Man Utd’s pace merchants to exploit.
I think we can expect to see Garnacho and Zirkzee come in for Amad and Mount.
Agreed, David. It’s going to be a very tricky encounter – recent history and results emphasise this.
But there is plenty of quality within the side, and we can only hope they get a good start tomorrow.
It’s been a long time since the club managed to win their opening two league fixtures. Let’s hope it starts tomorrow.