Bruno Fernandes’ decision will show what Manchester United really thinks about Brighton
Key points and first team news as Man Utd take on Brighton in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United might have a flawless home record so far this season, but they will need a huge improvement if they are to have any chance of winning today.
Erik ten Hag’s side were fortuitous to come away with three points in their opener against Wolves and could easily have been punished for their dreadful defending against Nottingham Forest as well.
Last season, their home form was the backbone of a third-place finish, and with two away defeats already, it seems certain that their hopes of success will rely on making Old Trafford a fortress once again.
A convincing win could do them the world of good, and with Brighton the visitors this afternoon, three points could give United more than just a lift up the table.
Facundo Pellistri is the only natural right winger available for selection, though that is by no means confirmation that he will start the match today.
With so much pressure on United to turn their fortunes around, Ten Hag will pick those he trusts the most, and that could well mean Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford are selected there instead.
It is a pretty damning reflection that United aren’t widely expected to beat Brighton at home, which could be reflected by the line up picked from the start.
Picking Pellistri would indicate an attacking approach with a focus on trying to win the game; picking Fernandes would admit they are looking to avoid defeat instead.
Rasmus Hojlund’s impressive cameo was the silver lining for United supporters after a devastating defeat to Arsenal last time out.
The Danish forward gave an exciting glimpse of what he could offer, not only through his scoring ability but also through the physical presence and hold-up play he brought to the forward line.
He is the only centre-forward at the club, and it would be inexcusable for him not to start against Brighton, regardless of what tactical approach they look to implement.
The other big selection decision is who starts in midfield, regardless of the front three. United will be without Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, leaving them rather light on options against a side so good in possession.
Casemiro is a certainty to start at the base of the midfield, and Christian Eriksen would be the most logical choice alongside him, though somewhat of a risk given his track record in the bigger matches.
Scott McTominay has never started in the same midfield as Casemiro, so that would be a huge risk, though he is in good form after the international break, and there is even a case to play him further up if Fernandes is on the wing.
With so few options available, Donny van de Beek or Hannibal Mejbri could get a chance on the bench, but that doesn’t mean either of them will actually be trusted to step foot from it.
United fans might well travel to Old Trafford today in hope of a win rather than with any real expectations of getting one against a team they have recently struggled to beat.
Brighton have won their last three league games against United, as many as they had in their first 17 against them (D2 L12), and were only beaten in the FA Cup semi-final last season on penalties.
United have only lost four consecutive Premier League games against an opponent twice previously, doing so against Liverpool (Dec 2000 – Jan 2002) and Man City (Apr 2013 – Nov 2014).