Erik ten Hag is the latest man tasked with reviving Manchester United’s fortunes and the Dutchman’s reign with the Red Devils will begin against Brighton this weekend.
The Seagulls will be looking to improve on a best-ever Premier League finish of ninth last time out as the club continue their upward trajectory under Graham Potter.
Here is everything you need to know about Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.
Form
Manchester United
Manchester United have travelled far and wide in search of match practice this summer, featuring in six friendlies across destinations in Bangkok, Melbourne, Perth, Oslo and Manchester.
Ten Hag’s tenure began with a 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool in Thailand, before further wins against both Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. Fixtures with Aston Villa and Rayo Vallecano ended in draws, while the Red Devils were beaten once, losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Norway.
The boss has high standards ?#MUFC || #MUNBHA
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2022
Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho have been in impressive form with three goals each, though the former is set to miss this weekend’s clash with Brighton as a result of a hamstring problem. Marcus Rashford has also shown signs of finding his form, with two goals on the pre-season tour.
The Red Devils have strengthened with the additions of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, but have so far been frustrated in their attempts to sign a central holding midfielder, namely, Frenkie de Jong.
Brighton
Brighton have been in action five times across pre-season, beginning with a goalless draw against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. The Seagulls then secured wins over Estoril Praia (4-1) and Reading (2-1), before losing 1-0 to divisional rivals Brentford.
The final friendly fixture of the summer campaign ended in an impressive performance and emphatic win, as Potter’s side thrashed Espanyol 5-1 at the Amex Stadium.
“There’s always pressure in the Premier League. We want to go to Old Trafford and perform. We know the size of challenge but we’re excited.”
That’s all from the boss. ?️ #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/3puzdvlngr
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 5, 2022
Leandro Trossard scored a hat-trick in that win over the Spaniards and will be a key figure for a Brighton side who have lost important personnel this summer, with both Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella having departed for Premier League rivals.
Last Meeting
Brighton 4-0 Manchester United, May 7 2002
Brighton ended Manchester United’s hopes of a top four finish last season, after recording a huge result in the penultimate round of fixtures.
Ralf Rangnick’s side were on the receiving end of a humiliating defeat to the Seagulls, who produced a rampant performance to earn their biggest ever Premier League win
Moises Caicedo put the home side ahead with his first Premier League goal, before a second-half capitulation from the Red Devils saw Brighton run riot. Marc Cucurella, Leandro Trossard and Pascal Gross all found the net in a memorable result for the Seagulls.
Remarkably, the result was Brighton’s first home win of 2022 after picking up just four points from their previous eight games on home soil.
Predicted Lineups
Man United: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; Fred, Fernandes Eriksen; Sancho, Rashford, Elanga.
Brighton: Sanchez; Lamptey, Veltman, Dunk, Webster, March; Mwepu, Caicedo; Mac Allister, Trossard, Maupay.
Who is the referee?
Paul Tierney.
What channel is Manchester United vs Brighton on?
UK and Irish fans can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event.
What time is kick off?
Sunday 7th August, 14:00 BST.
Odds
Man United – 3/5
Draw – 16/5
Brighton – 17/4
Read – Our writers’ Premier League predictions for 2022/23
Read Also – Premier League preview: Eight talking points ahead of the weekend’s action
