Manchester United welcome Brighton & Hove Albion at the Old Trafford on Sunday as Erik ten Hag will begin his new journey on English soil.
The Red Devils are not supposed to fight for the title this time as a more profound change is in offing under the stewardship of the Dutch manager. Despite the arrival of three new signings the squad still hasn’t improved much and the existing players need to deliver this time.
Last season it was Cristiano Ronaldo who solely shouldered the responsibility of scoring goals but the Portuguese hasn’t been much involved this time and has only had 45 minutes of gametime against Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of speculation as the Portuguese has reiterated his desire to leave the club in search of Champions League football. But he is now set to be in the match day squad as it stands.
Ten Hag has implemented a new philosophy which was quite visible during the preseason. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the United hierarchy has tried a number of managers including the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who failed to read the pulse of the club,
But the current Dutch manager knows the basics of coaching and a hit of improvement has already been felt. His relentless disciplinary method and his way of demanding more from the players have already won the supporters and he will be backed by the United fans when he will come down the tunnel on Sunday.
United management has done some shrewd business by bringing in Christian Eriksen who has definitely been an upgrade over the current crop of attacking midfielders.
Bruno Fernandes has mostly been in charge of the attacking role but the arrival of Eriksen will now ease the pressure on him. Tyrell Malacia will provide some stiff competition to Luke Shaw while Lisandro Martinez will add some much needed cover to the defence.
For Brighton & Hove Albion they climbed up to the ninth position in the Premier League to register their best ever finish in the English top flight last season. Graham Potter is claimed to be one of the tactical geniuses and he has definitely carried the team from the Championship to the upper half of the Premier league table.
Brighton packed a massive punch to the Red Devils last season as they humiliated them 4-0 at the Amex Stadium but with the departure of Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella it could be difficult for the gaffer to replicate last season’s heroics.
The Seagulls have been a consistent force in the top flight but they have never been able to bridge the gap between the top four and them and it will be crucial for Potter to be relevant during this season.
A top six finish would be more than everything but looking at the other prospects it will be a hugely challenging task for them. They have never beaten United on their home turf in the Premier League and it remains to be seen how things pan out on Sunday.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Date: 7th August, 2022
Time: 6:30 PM IST
Stadium: Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Team News
Manchester United
Anthony Martial has been ruled out for the clash and Marcus Rashford could move into his position as Cristiano Ronaldo lacks match fitness. Jadon Sancho has been recovering from an illness and he could be fit in time to be selected in the starting lineup.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Jakub Moder will not be available for this clash and Potter otherwise will have a fit squad to choose from.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, L Martinez, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga; Rashford
Brighton & Hove Albion Possible Lineup
Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Mwepu, Gross, March; MacAllister, Welbeck, Trossard
Predictions
Manchester United have a good record in their opening Premier League fixture and they should maintain that as it seems.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Fantasy XI No. 1
De Gea, Dalot, Malacia, Veltman; Fred, McTominay, Mwepu, Gross; Trossard, Sancho, Rashford
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Fantasy XI No. 1
De Gea, Dalot, Malacia, Veltman, Dunk; Fred, McTominay, Gross; Trossard, Sancho, Rashford
