Brighton vs Manchester United – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

23 Aug 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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Both Brighton and Manchester United kicked off their 2024/25 campaigns with a win, but something’s got to give as the Seagulls host United at the Amex Stadium tomorrow. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling clash!

Despite winning their first game of the campaign, the Red Devils looked nowhere near their fluid best. In fact, it was a labored United performance, decided by a poacher’s finish by new signing, Joshua Zirkzee. On the other hand, Premier League’s youngest ever manager, Florian Hurzeler, gave a good account of his tactical nous by overcoming Everton at Goodison Park by 3-0.

However, facing Manchester United is a completely different ball-game. With both sides coming into the match fresh off wins in their Premier League opener, tomorrow’s game has the makings of a classic. But which team would come out on top?

Brighton vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Out of the twenty teams who played in gameweek 1 of the Premier League, Florian Hurzeler’s Brighton were the most impressive. Many fans doubted the young German coach’s credentials before the start of the season. However, the Seagulls’ unorthodox, fluid style of play under Hurzeler has calmed some nerves. Brighton tore Everton apart in their last match, with their wingers—Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra, and Yankuba Minteh—causing havoc down the flanks. Each of them chipped in with a goal contribution.

Mitoma kicked things off by slotting in a perfect low cross from Minteh. Danny Welbeck made it 2-0 for Brighton at the hour mark, and Simon Adingra sealed the win with a third goal in the final moments of the game. The Seagulls were unstoppable on that day. New signings like Mats Weiffer and Yankuba Minteh have taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. Furthermore, the Seagulls have also added exciting prospects like Brajan Gruda and Georginio Rutter to their roster. The emergence of Brighton poses a real threat to the dominance of the established “Big 6” of English football.

A member of the so called “Big 6,” Manchester United haven’t performed to the standards that their fans expect in recent seasons. It’s fair to say that the Red Devils have fallen from the perch. Now, it’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik Ten Hag’s responsibility to restore Manchester United glory. The Manchester-based club has invested heavily in this summer’s transfer window, bringing in the likes of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Mattijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Furthermore, the transfer of Manuel Ugarte from PSG is also on the verge of completion.

However, despite the significant outlay in the transfer window, United’s performances at the start of the season haven’t convinced fans. They lost in the FA Community Shield to their bitter rivals Manchester City on penalties. Following their Community Shield heartbreak, United secured a 1-0 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford in their Premier League opener. Debutant Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score a 87th minute winner. Despite securing their first win, fans were underwhelmed by United’s performance. And if the Red Devils aren’t on their A-game, then the Brighton match could be a potential banana skid.

Brighton vs Manchester United – Team News and Updates

We are not even a week into the new season and Manchester United have already accumulated a lengthy injury list. Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Leny Yoro (foot), and Rasmus Højlund (hamstring) are all still sidelined, along with Victor Lindelöf, who’s nursing a toe injury.

Ten Hag might stick with the same back four—Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot—that secured a clean sheet against Fulham. However, new signing Matthijs de Ligt will be eager to make his full debut at center-back, possibly at Maguire’s expense. Zirkzee, fresh off scoring his first Man United goal as a substitute, could earn a start against Brighton, allowing Bruno Fernandes to drop back into his preferred number 10 role, with Mason Mount likely moving to the bench. Alejandro Garnacho might also get the nod to start on the wing, possibly ahead of Amad Diallo or Marcus Rashford.

On the other hand, Brighton will be missing Solly March and Julio Enciso, both out with knee injuries, along with Bart Verbruggen and Igor Julio. Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson (foot), Pervis Estupiñán (ankle), and Tariq Lamptey (unspecified) have all returned to training and will be evaluated before kickoff. Hurzeler has confirmed that Yankuba Minteh is available after being subbed off due to concussion protocols during his debut against Everton last weekend. If needed, Simon Adingra is ready to step in on the right flank.

Although Valentin Barco is close to securing a loan move to Sevilla, Brighton’s £40m club-record signing Georginio Rutter, who joined from Leeds on Tuesday, could make his debut. However, he’ll likely start on the bench, with Joao Pedro providing support up front alongside former Man United striker Danny Welbeck.