Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Brighton in the Premier League
Manchester United will be looking to make it two wins out of two for the 2018-19 Premier League season as they travel to the south coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho’s men got their season underway with a 2-1 win over Leicester City last Friday in what was another unconvincing display.
In contrast, Brighton need a result after a 2-0 defeat to Watford in their opening game. Manager Chris Hughton will hope his new signings click on Sunday.
Team News
Mourinho already lacked six first-team players due to injury last Friday and that situation won’t change against Brighton.
Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones will be in contention, while Romelu Lukaku will be pushing for a start after a cameo against Leicester.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, David De Gea will start between the sticks against Brighton.
Ashley Young (RB)
The injuries to Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot coupled with Matteo Darmian’s poor outing against Leicester should see Ashley Young start at right-back on Sunday. Young was fantastic in a makeshift left-back position last season and could slot at right-back at the weekend.
Eric Bailly (CB)
Bailly was a rock at the back against Leicester and will keep his place at Brighton. If he is fit, the Ivorian is undoubtedly United’s best centre-back from the current crop.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
Lindelof was given the nod ahead of Smalling for the season opener and he did extremely well. The Swede is efficient in bringing the ball out from the back and will be crucial in neutralising Brighton’s attack.
Luke Shaw (LB)
After facing a lot of criticism last season, this season could be Luke Shaw’s as he gave a testament to his qualities when United hosted Leicester. He is a definite starter for the weekend’s game.
Andreas Pereira (CDM)
Pereira was excellent in his full United debut last week, starting deeper than his usual position. He is comfortable on the ball and can distribute it very well. Pereira will be given another bite at the cherry on Sunday.
Paul Pogba (RCM)
Pogba was handed the captain’s armband against Leicester and he repaid Mourinho’s faith in him by scoring a goal and putting in a dominant performance. The French star will be eager to build on from that performance as he will once again be the club’s main man at Brighton.
Fred (LCM)
Fred had a solid United debut against the Foxes. The diminutive Brazilian gave a glimpse of his trickery, quick-feet and long-range passing abilities. However, he should look to keep his game simple in order to help United get all three points at the Amex Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
Sanchez had a poor outing against Leicester, losing possession a lot of times. The Chilean, after a solid pre-season, should be desperate to right the wrong he did last week. He should start on the left-wing for the weekend’s game.
Juan Mata (RW)
Mata isn’t a winger but has the ability to pick up pockets of spaces behind the defenders. The Spaniard’s creativity and vision can unlock most defences.
Read more: Mourinho sending out this £16m star on loan could be a disaster move for Man United
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
Lukaku could have marked his cameo against Leicester with a goal but goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made an excellent save. However, the big Belgian remains United’s source of goals and should start up front against the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium.
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