Manchester United are searching for successive Premier League victories for the first time since November when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils were uninspiring in their 3-1 victory over Southampton on Thursday evening, requiring a late Amad Diallo hat-trick to avoid a miserable upset at the hands of the league’s worst side. The Ivorian has often been the club’s saviour during a drab campaign and spared their blushes with three goals in 12 minutes.
The visit of Brighton will pose Ruben Amorim’s side a much sterner challenge and Man Utd, who have already lost five Premier League home games this term, will need to up their standards when the Seagulls come to town.
Fabian Hurzeler’s men were also in action on Thursday evening, triumphing against Ipswich Town thanks to second-half strikes from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter. The result ended an eight-game winless run in the Premier League and offered a much-needed confidence boost as they look for a third successive victory at Old Trafford.
Man Utd have no fresh injury concerns following Thursday’s victory, with Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all still absent across the defence. Leny Yoro started against Southampton but his horror show should see Harry Maguire return to the lineup.
Mason Mount is the only absentee in the midfield or forward line but Amorim could make changes to the team that edged past the Saints. Joshua Zirkzee impressed off the bench and could start in place of Rasmus Hojlund, while Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen made important contributions as substitutes and could potentially step into the XI.
Diogo Dalot returns from suspension following an FA Cup red card and will likely be restored to the starting lineup.
Man Utd lineup vs Brighton (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Fernandes; Zirkzee.
Evan Ferguson is closing in on a return for Brighton and could be part of the travelling matchday squad on Sunday. The same applies to Jack Hinshelwood and Mats Wieffer, both of whom are edging towards their comebacks.
Centre-back Igor is missing for the remainder of the season and Ferdi Kadioglu’s return date is unknown after he underwent surgery on a toe problem. James Milner has been missing since August due to a hamstring injury and won’t return this weekend.
Brighton lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O’Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.
