90min
·19 janvier 2025
90min
·19 janvier 2025
Manchester United are searching for successive Premier League victories for the first time since November when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils were uninspiring in their 3-1 victory over Southampton on Thursday evening, requiring a late Amad Diallo hat-trick to avoid a miserable upset at the hands of the league's worst side. The Ivorian has often been the club's saviour during a drab campaign and spared their blushes with three goals in 12 minutes.
The visit of Brighton will pose Ruben Amorim's side a much sterner challenge and Man Utd, who have already lost five Premier League home games this term, will need to up their standards when the Seagulls come to town.
Fabian Hurzeler's men were also in action on Thursday evening, triumphing against Ipswich Town thanks to second-half strikes from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter. The result ended an eight-game winless run in the Premier League and offered a much-needed confidence boost as they look for a third successive victory at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire should return to the starting XI / Nigel French/Allstar/GettyImages
Man Utd have no fresh injury concerns following Thursday's victory, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all still absent across the defence. Leny Yoro started against Southampton but his horror show should see Harry Maguire return to the lineup.
Mason Mount is the only absentee in the midfield or forward line but Amorim could make changes to the team that edged past the Saints. Joshua Zirkzee impressed off the bench and could start in place of Rasmus Hojlund, while Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen made important contributions as substitutes and could potentially step into the XI.
Diogo Dalot returns from suspension following an FA Cup red card and will likely be restored to the starting lineup.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Brighton (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Fernandes; Zirkzee.
Evan Ferguson is nearing a comeback / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
Evan Ferguson is closing in on a return for Brighton and could be part of the travelling matchday squad on Sunday. The same applies to Jack Hinshelwood and Mats Wieffer, both of whom are edging towards their comebacks.
Centre-back Igor is missing for the remainder of the season and Ferdi Kadioglu's return date is unknown after he underwent surgery on a toe problem. James Milner has been missing since August due to a hamstring injury and won't return this weekend.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.
Man Utd were largely shambolic in victory over Southampton, which disappointed supporters inside Old Trafford who had hoped their side had turned the corner following impressive results at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium.
The Red Devils conceded a glut of chances throughout, allowing 13 shots, five on target and 1.54 expected goals against the division's lowest scorers. They made tough old work of beating Southampton, who have collected just six points all term.
Brighton have been far from flawless over the past few months but rediscovered some of their mojo at Ipswich on Thursday. They have won their last two trips to Old Trafford and their intensity and attacking quality could torment the Red Devils.
Given they have already lost 45% of their home matches in the Premier League this season, it's feasible that Man Utd could be handed another difficult afternoon this weekend.