Tenth place Manchester United suffered yet another shock league defeat when they lost 1-0 to Eddie Howe Bournemouth side at the Vitality Stadium last weekend. Although they seemed to have bounced back with an impressive display in the Europa League in midweek, their league form is sure to be a concern for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Undeniably one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United have only managed to pick up three wins from eleven league games so far this season – a run that has translated to just thirteen points on the board, nearly a third of the way into the season. With just one win in their last six, the margin for error at Old Trafford is growing smaller and smaller, and this game against Brighton could prove to be a game-changer.
Team News
Manchester United have the league’s longest injury list, but the fit players aren’t helping the cause either. Ashley Young got himself booked rather unnecessarily in the defeat to Bournemouth, earning himself a suspension in the process. Although Victor Lindelof’s knock makes him a doubt for this tie, Ole could be forced to use him in defence, considering their current injury crisis.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are all United defenders who are ruled out of this tie due to various injury problems. In midfield as well, United are currently missing key names like Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. With a list of more than eleven players unavailable for the game against Brighton, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has quite a team selection task on his hands.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
David De Gea has been Manchester United’s saviour on more than one occasion over the last many years, and his place in the side has never been under scrutiny. In front of him, though, United have a lot of issues to deal with. Harry Maguire is expected to keep his place in the team, alongside Victor Lindelof. Despite a slight knock, the Swede would be forced to play on the weekend as United wouldn’t want to risk using Phil Jones.
Ashley Young’s suspension opens up a whole new avenue of problems for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With the English veteran unable to play, he could be forced to grant error-prone Argentine Marcos Rojo a rare league start on the left flank. Summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a breath of fresh air in the United backline, and should keep his place in the team.
Midfield
Although Scott McTominay picked up a slight niggle during their Europa League in midweek, he is expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup this weekend as well. The youngster has been United’s most consistent player this season, and his passing range has come as a huge boon to Ole as well. Alongside him, expect to see Fred continuing his prolonged run in the starting lineup, with young Andreas Pereira across on the other side.
Attack
Daniel James has undoubtedly been United’s most creative player going forward this season, and he could replace Mason Greenwood in the lineup. With Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both fully fit as well, the trio would complete United’s attack-line against Brighton. Rashford and Martial both scored at Old Trafford in midweek and would be looking to keep their momentum going.
