Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday, September 16th to face Brighton and Hove Albion, who are in search of a fourth consecutive win over the Red Devils.
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Erik ten Hag’s side will be in dire need of three points after a devastating late capitulation to Arsenal, followed by a public dispute between the manager and Jadon Sancho, as well as the loss of Antony, who is set to stay in Brazil for an extended period.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup v Brighton and Hove Albion
Ten Hag’s Previous Starting Eleven
Andre Onana has been a staple for United since his £47 million move from Internazionale and was impressive with the ball at the Emirates. In front of him, Diogo Dalot shifted to left back next to Lisandro Martinez, while Victor Lindelof replaced the injured Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka started at right back.
Watch: Manchester United in Crisis- What’s Happening Under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford?
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen featured as the midfield pivots behind Bruno Fernandes, while Antony was out wide on the right. On the opposite flank, starboy Marcus Rashford featured on the left with Anthony Martial up front.
Ten Hag Desperate to Bounce Back After Dramatic Loss at the Emirates
Ten Hag’s side find themselves in a disappointing 11th place in the table after their opening four games. United looked set for victory in their most recent match against Arsenal after Alejandro Garnacho finished calmly on the break in the 88th minute.
Unfortunately, the Video Assistant Referee ruled the goal out for a narrow offside, granting Mikel Arteta’s side an opportunity that they took full advantage of. Declan Rice scored a 96th-minute winner from a corner, followed by a 101st-minute goal from Gabriel Jesus to bury hopes of a late equaliser to devastate the travelling United fans.
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Two Wingers in Exile from Manchester United
Star winger Antony is unavailable for Manchester United following an official statement announcing their mutual decision to allow him to stay in Brazil “until further notice” after reports that Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo officials are investigating reports of domestic abuse against the player by his ex-partner.
Two other women have also told media outlets that the 23-year-old assaulted them. Antony has denied all allegations.
Jadon Sancho appears unlikely to enter the side in his absence after his Dutch manager left him out of the squad travelling to face Arsenal and publicly criticised his performance in training.
In a now-deleted social media post, the Englishman claimed he had been made into a “scapegoat” and that he had been at the right level in training, before stating that he believed there were “other reasons” for his absence, which he did not explain further.
He has since been ordered to train away from the first team after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, for what he feels was a fair response to the public criticism of his character and commitment to the club.
Read More: Ex-Man Utd Star Now Faces Massive Suspension After Shock Update Revealed
Other Team News and Injury
There is, however, some good news for United fans. Argentine international Lisandro Martinez is expected to return to the side and is set to start according to the Evening Standard, while new signing Sofyan Amrabat is also expected to feature despite withdrawing from Morocco’s international side with a minor injury.
Mason Mount is still sidelined with an injury alongside Raphael Varane. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia will also be absent, meaning Sergio Reguilon or Diogo Dalot will be expected to feature at left-back. Other injuries to the playing squad include Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Brighton
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Amrabat, Eriksen, Fernandes, Rashford, Holjund
With a lack of clear options at right-wing aside from Facundo Pellestri, who is unlikely to be promoted from a fringe player to the starting eleven, Ten Hag will likely improvise and start Fernandes on the right and allow him to drift inside when they have possession. Amrabat and Holjund are set for their home debuts at Old Trafford.
It is likely that United will defend in a 4-4-2 shape, with the duo of Rashford and Holjund sitting off of the Brighton centre-backs, who like to encourage an opposition press towards them in order to open passing lanes.
United’s boss will be keen to make a statement win over a high-flying Seagulls side who were victorious in this exact fixture last season on opening weekend.
