The start of the season has been a rollercoaster for Manchester United. Two wins and two defeats on the road tells you everything you need to know about our topsy-turvy 2023/24 campaign launch.
What the Red Devils need is a big win and I think beating Brighton would qualify for that this weekend.
Roberto De Zebri’s side have started the season well after winning three out of four and they were also an impressive team last season.
In his first 12 months in charge, De Zebri has taken Brighton to sixth place in the Premier League and they will enjoy European football this season for the first time in their 122-year history.
That will bring its own problems but for now they are flying high and confident ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
It doesn’t help that it’s been a tumultuous international break for United.
Antony was fired from his job after accusations of domestic violence against three women in Brazil, while the media caused a storm because of Jadon Sancho’s public controversy with Erik ten Hag.
This raises the question of who will start on the right, as it will say a lot if Sancho is chosen ahead of Facundo Pellistri for this match.
The Uruguayan has been knocking on the door for a long time and now deserves his chance.
I think Sancho has missed his chance so far.
Luke Shaw must sit out for a while longer and unless Lisandro Martinez is fit to play, Ten Hag may have to call on Harry Maguire to start alongside Victor Lindelof.
It is believed that new signing Sofyan Amrabat will be assessed before the match, but that also means he will arrive on a touch and go basis.
A plus for United is that Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is a doubt after missing the international break through injury, and it remains to be seen whether Danny Welbeck will be fit to face his former club.
him or not.
Brighton will also be without Julio Enciso, who is dealing with a lingering injury, and Jakub Moder may also miss this match.
On the positive side for the Seagulls, Ansu Fati could make his Premier League debut.
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 16 September 2023.
The match will not be televised in England due to the 3pm ban.
However, in Ireland it will be available on Premier Sports.
The Red Devils have all sorts of problems off the field and things seem to be going Brighton’s way.
This does not bode well for the weekend ahead and the Seagulls won this match last season.
However, I hope Rasmus Hojlund can show more of what he does and we could see Facundo Pellistri arrive at Brighton on the right.
That’s why I still have some hope in this match, with Bruno Fernandes having a goal and three assists for Portugal against Luxembourg the other night.
Manchester United 2-1 Brighton