Manchester United will look to end their 2023/24 Premier League season on a high note on Sunday afternoon when they travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Red Devils, currently sat in eighth place, still have the chance to qualify for Europe following the 3-2 win over Newcastle United in midweek in their final home game of the season. While a win over cross-town rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend would provide a route to the Europa League, a place in the Conference League can still be confirmed via a seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side face a tough challenge at Brighton, who beat the visitors 3-1 at Old Trafford in September.
Manchester United Team News
Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford made their much-awaited return from injuries as substitutes in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle on Wednesday evening. Bruno Fernandes returned after missing the last few games with a foot problem.
Raphael Varane, who bid farewell to the Old Trafford crowd after the Newcastle game, has returned to the grass along with Victor Lindelof as they work hard to be involved in the final stretch of the 2023/24 campaign, Ten Hag revealed in his pre-match presser.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are expected to be available for the FA Cup final against Man City but Sunday’s trip to Brighton will likely come too soon.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has played every minute of Man United’s Premier League campaign since arriving from Inter Milan last summer. He likely continues in goal for the final league game of the season at the Amex Stadium.
Defence
Casemiro and Jonny Evans have started the last three games in central defence and are set to continue on Sunday, despite Lisandro Martinez returning from injury in midweek. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still out, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are nailed on to start at full-back again.
The patched-up Man United backline has to be on their toes throughout the game if they are to keep a clean sheet against Brighton.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat has started the last two games and done well, boosting his chances of retaining his spot in midfield. The Moroccan is expected to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot, with the latter hoping to get on the scoresheet again after his calm finish against Newcastle at home.
Bruno Fernandes put in a sensational display in the 3-2 win over Newcastle after missing two games. The Portuguese is a certainty to start in the No.10 role.
Attack
Amad Diallo strengthened his case for another start with another sublime display marked by a fantastic second-half goal. The Ivorian should retain his spot on the right flank, but Marcus Rashford—who came on as a substitute against the Magpies after recovering from his injury—could be given the nod ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.
Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench and scored a fine goal in midweek, and the Dane is expected to replace Scott McTominay up front against Brighton. Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Antony may get involved at some point in the game.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
