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 Reds need is a big win and I think beating Brighton would qualify as that this weekend. Roberto De Zebri’s side have started the season strongly after winning three from four and they’ve were an impressive outfit last season too.
In his first 12 months in charge, De Zebri lifted Brighton to a 6th place finish in the Premier League and they will this season enjoy European football for the first time in their 122-year history. That will come with is own complications but as of now they are high flying and will be confident ahead of their trip to Old Trafford.
It doesn’t help that it was a tumultuous international break for United. Antony was put on leave of absence following allegations of domestic abuse towards three women in Brazil, while the media created a storm over Jadon Sancho’s public spat with Erik ten Hag.
That begs the question about who starts on the right because it would say a lot if Sancho was picked ahead of Facundo Pellistri for this one. The Uruguayan has been knocking on the door for a long time and deserves his opportunity now. I feel Sancho has blown his chance for now.
Luke Shaw is out for another while and unless Lisandro Martinez passes fit to play, Ten Hag may need to call on Harry Maguire to start alongside Victor Lindelof.
It is believed new signing Sofyan Amrabat will be assessed before the game but that also means that he is arriving on a touch and go basis.
It is a plus for United that Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is a doubt after missing the international break due to injury, and it remains to be seen if Danny Welbeck will be fit to face his former side.
Brighton will also be without Julio Enciso, who faces an extended period of injured and Jakub Moder is likely to miss this one too. On the plus side for the Seagulls, Ansu Fati could make his Premier League debut.
Date and kick-off time
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Watch Manchester United vs Brighton
The game won’t be televised in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule. However, in Ireland it will be available on Premier Sports.
Head to head history and results
- Manchester United wins: 20
- Draws: 5
- Brighton wins: 6
Manchester United vs Brighton prediction
The Reds have all sorts of problems off the pitch and everything seems to be going Brighton’s way. That doesn’t bode well for the weekend ahead and the Seagulls won this exact fixture last season.
Still, I hoping that Rasmus Hojlund gets to show more than glimpses of what he’s about and we could see Facundo Pellistri get at Brighton down the right. That’s why I still have a bit of hope ahead of this one as well as the fact Bruno Fernandes recorded one goal and three assists for Portugal against Luxembourg the other night.
Manchester United 2-1 Brighton
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