Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday, aiming for a third straight victory in all competitions. After a dramatic FA Cup penalty shootout win over Arsenal and a shaky 3-1 comeback against Southampton, Ruben Amorim’s side must improve if they want to secure another crucial three points.
However, the Red Devils face a tough challenge against a Brighton side that has won their last two league games at Old Trafford and defeated United in August with a Joao Pedro stoppage-time winner.
Here’s how Manchester United could line up against Brighton in the Premier League.
Man Utd Predicted XI vs Brighton (3-4-2-1 Formation)
Position | Player |
---|---|
GK | Andre Onana |
CB | Matthijs de Ligt |
CB | Harry Maguire |
CB | Lisandro Martinez |
RM | Diogo Dalot |
CM | Christian Eriksen |
CM | Kobbie Mainoo |
LM | Noussair Mazraoui |
RF | Amad Diallo |
LF | Bruno Fernandes |
ST | Joshua Zirkzee |
Predicted Lineup Breakdown
Goalkeeper & Defense
- GK: Andre Onana
- Kept United in the game against Southampton with crucial saves.
- Will face a Brighton attack that averages 4.9 shots on target per match.
- CB: Matthijs de Ligt
- Best of a shaky United defense midweek and must stay composed.
- Tasked with handling Brighton’s dangerous forwards like Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck.
- CB: Harry Maguire
- United missed Maguire’s leadership against Southampton, and his return will be key.
- CB: Lisandro Martinez
- Still adjusting under Amorim, his aerial weakness has been exploited recently.
- Needs a solid performance against Brighton’s quick attackers.
Midfield
- RM: Diogo Dalot
- Returns from suspension, allowing Amad Diallo to play further forward.
- CM: Christian Eriksen
- Came off the bench to assist against Southampton and could replace Ugarte.
- CM: Kobbie Mainoo
- The youngster has been inconsistent, but his creativity is crucial in midfield.
- LM: Noussair Mazraoui
- Decent display vs Southampton but must be wary of Brighton’s wing threats like Adingra.
Attack
- RF: Amad Diallo
- United’s savior against Southampton, scoring a late hat-trick.
- Deserves another start, as he has been one of the few bright spots in attack.
- LF: Bruno Fernandes
- Captain and creative force, stepping up in big games against Liverpool and Arsenal.
- Will need another strong showing to break down Brighton’s defense.
- ST: Joshua Zirkzee
- Replaced Hojlund midweek and made an immediate impact.
- Might get the start ahead of Hojlund after the Dane’s poor showing against Southampton.
Key Match Considerations
✅ Amad Diallo’s Magic Needed Again
- With Rashford and Antony struggling, Diallo has been United’s most effective forward.
✅ United’s Old Trafford Woes Against Brighton
- Lost their last two home games against the Seagulls, showing Brighton’s confidence in this fixture.
✅ Defensive Stability Required
- United’s backline looked shaky against Southampton, so Maguire’s return should help.
✅ Brighton’s Attacking Threats
- Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, and Simon Adingra are key dangers.
Predicted Scoreline
🔴 Man Utd 2-1 Brighton 🔴
- Fernandes and Amad Diallo to score, Joao Pedro for Brighton.
FAQs
- Will Diogo Dalot start?
- Yes, he returns from suspension and should reclaim his spot.
- Why is Joshua Zirkzee starting over Hojlund?
- Hojlund struggled against Southampton, while Zirkzee impressed as a sub.
- How has Amad Diallo performed recently?
- Scored a hat-trick vs Southampton and has been United’s most in-form attacker.
- Can United break their poor record against Brighton?
- They have lost their last two home games against the Seagulls but will hope to turn it around.
- What’s at stake in this match?
- United need a win to stay in the top-four race, while Brighton is pushing for European qualification.