As Manchester United look to rediscover themselves after the international break, they will face Brighton & Hove Albion in their first fixture after the break.
Key Takeaways
- Brighton & Hove Albion haven't kept clean sheets in last 6 games
- Manchester United have lost last three league games against Brighton
- Brighton & Hove Albion have scored the (12) most goals in the league so far
With two wins and two losses in their first four games, Manchester United is off to a slow start. They now face Brighton & Hove Albion, who have won three of their first four games this season. In the last three matches, Brighton has had United's number, and it will be interesting to see how the game plays out.
Brighton & Hove Albion Form
The young Brighton side has shown that they are one of the most dangerous Premier League sides under Roberto Zerbi, and their stakes are increasing with each passing game. Brighton has scored 12 goals so far in 4 games this season.
It is still early in the season, but Brighton have already built on their impressive 6th spot finish from last season. With the arrival of names like Ansu Fati, Carlos Baleba, and Igor, Brighton have strengthened their squad further. With new players joining the team during the international break, Roberto Zerbi will have to decide how he will line up his team against United.
Manchester United Form
Following the much needed international break, Manchester United will have plenty of things to do. They have made a bad start to the campaign and injuries have piled on the misery for them. As internal tussles with Sancho and Maguire also loom, Erik ten Hag faces additional burdens.
With Varane and Shaw injured, Manchester United will need to try new combinations to strengthen their defence. United is currently ranked 11th in the league table. Although United will have to prove themselves under such conditions, they have been in this situation before and got out of it last year.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Manchester United dominate the head-to-head matchup against Brighton, but in recent times, Brighton has edged United. In the last three Premier League meetings, Brighton has won all three.
Team News
Currently, Manchester United are dealing with an injury crisis and are expected to be missing 8 players. Injury set to keep Amad, Mainoo, Shaw, Mount, Varane, Amrabat, Heaton, and Malacia out of this game.
Injuries have also plagued Brighton, with the likes of Enciso and Ferguson likely to miss this game. Also, Welbeck and Moder will not play.
Key Players
This season, Rashford is Manchester United's biggest hope. He had an excellent season last season and needs to carry that form into this one. So far, he hasn't looked in the best shape, but he scored in the last game and looked in good touch.
Since joining Brighton & Hove Albion last season, Kaoru Mitoma has been the club's main player. Mitoma scored seven goals in his debut season and has carried the same form forward in 2023/24. He has one goal and three assists so far and is Brighton's main attacker. In a battle against United, Mitoma holds the key.
Final Thoughts
In the current climate, Manchester United are under enormous pressure to produce results, and Brighton & Hove Albion will be a tough opponent. With injuries ruining Erik ten Hag's plans, Brighton will look to take advantage of the situation. The game takes place at Old Trafford, where Manchester United dominated in recent years. However, Brighton & Hove Albion look like a team with beast pedigree.
Premier League
UEFA Champions League