Predicted Man United XI to face Brighton: Can the Red Devils find form?

Manchester United would be eager to get back to winnings ways when they host opponents Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United, who lost their previous league match to Bournemouth by a narrow one-goal margin would be seeking a revival of fortunes against the Seagulls.

However, there was a welcoming change for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his young side ahead of their league game against Brighton.

The Reds brushed aside Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade 3-0, to emerge as group toppers in their Europa League campaign on Friday.

Meanwhile, Brighton have won their last two league matches and are eighth on the table, two spots above United.

Coming into the game after a confident win, United will be looking to maintain some consistency, something that has eluded Ole’s side since the season’s start while Brighton will be eager to grab their third win in a row.  

Team News

United have been hampered by injuries throughout the season. Ole has a long list of injured players in his ranks thereby limiting his options.

Centre-back Victor Lindelof, who was rested for the game against Partizan due to back injury, still remains a doubt as he is still being assessed.

Englishman Harry Maguire complained of pain after the Partizan game but Ole has assured that he would be fit for the game.

The Norwegian already has problems at the back with as many as four players – Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot ruled out due to respective injuries. Meanwhile, Ashley Young will sit out due to suspension.

United’s star man Paul Pogba won’t be back until next month, as he recovers from an ankle injury. Experienced campaigner Nemanja Matic is unavailable as well.

Adding to their woes, midfielder Scott McTominay’s involvement in the game is also in doubt after he suffered a knock in the game against Partizan but he is confident he will be fit for this game.

Youngsters Angel Gomez and Timothy Fosu Mensah also stay out due to injuries.

Predicted Man United XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

David de Gea (GK)

The Spaniard is a regular and United’s first-choice in goal. He has not been in the best of forms and has managed two clean sheets from 11 matches.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)

With 5.2 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per match, the youngster has been United’s best defender this season, statistically but has to work more on his offensive game.

Victor Lindelof (CB)

If found fit to play, the Swede will join Maguire at the back in what looks like United’s most preferred defensive combination in recent times.

Harry Maguire (CB)

Has been consistent since his arrival from Leicester this summer but has not lived up to his big-money signing. If fit, he is a sure starter.  

Marcos Rojo (LB)

Ole could prefer the experienced Argentine over academy player Brandon Williams, who impressed in the Red Devils’ Europa league wins by playing at left-back.

Scott McTominay (CM)

The youngster has done a good job in the absence of star man Paul Pogba. He has established himself as a regular and has won the manager’s trust.   

Fred (CM)

Has slowly carved a spot for himself in recent games. The Brazilian has shown signs of improvement but still has a long way to go.

Daniel James (RW)

The speedy winger has been a first-team regular since arriving from Swansea. His three goals and two assists prove his worth.

Andreas Pereira (CAM)

Ole’s most preferred man at No.10 this season, the Belgian should once again get the nod ahead of out-of-form Jesse Lingard and old guard Juan Mata.    

Marcus Rashford (RW)

Has been United’s best attacker this season, scoring five goals and assisting three times. Fairly consistent, the Englishman hit their last goal against Partizan.

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Anthony Martial (ST)

Scored United’s second goal against Partizan. He has impressed since his return from injury, scoring three in the league and two in Europa League.