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Manchester United are set to tackle Brighton and Hove Albion on the Amex Stadium on Saturday at lunchtime, with each outfits undoubtedly eager on constructing on their opening weekend victories.
United received off to a optimistic begin final week as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Outdated Trafford, courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee’s late strike. Brighton alternatively cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Everton.
Erik ten Hag’s males will meet Brighton simply over three months after concluding final time period’s marketing campaign on the South Coast, the place they ran out 2-0 winners. On that event, Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund discovered the again of the online.
Though United triumphed of their most up-to-date conflict with the Seagulls, Brighton have confirmed to be formidable opponents. The Seagulls have secured victories in 4 of their final 5 Premier League encounters, together with a 4-0 house win in Could 2022 and a notable 3-1 victory at Outdated Trafford in September final 12 months.
There are due to this fact loads of causes for Ten Hag and his gamers to strategy the sport with warning, with success removed from being a given.
Listed here are three storylines to anticipate as United put together to lock horns with Brighton.
Jadon Sancho’s availability
All eyes will undoubtedly be on Ten Hag and which plan of action he pursues with regard to Jadon Sancho.
The previous tensions between the 2 are well-known, so it was no shock that many eyebrows had been raised when Sancho’s identify was noticeably absent from the matchday squad in opposition to Fulham.
Ten Hag later instructed reporters that Sancho was omitted with an damage an infection. The Dutch coach nevertheless admitted that the ahead may have performed however finally, the choice was made to exclude him.
A current report lined by The Peoples Particular person relayed that Sancho didn’t take the information of his dropping too nicely and because of this, reaffirmed his need to depart Outdated Trafford earlier than switch deadline day.
Throughout his presser forward of the Brighton recreation, Ten Hag was requested about whether or not Sancho can be obtainable to him for choice.
The United boss remained coy as he intentionally offered a obscure and evasive response.
Whether or not or not Sancho will probably be a part of the squad in opposition to Brighton is definitely one for followers to maintain a detailed eye on.
Zirkzee to guide the road
Zirkzee received off to the proper begin to life at United together with his strike vs. Fulham.
Heading into the assembly vs. Brighton, Zirkzee will definitely be assured and contemplating Rasmus Hojlund stays sidelined with an damage, there is a chance for the previous Bologna man to make his first begin for United and lead the road.
Towards Fulham, Zirkzee confirmed glimpses of what he can carry to the desk – linking up play, holding up the ball, holding possession and naturally, ending.
Within the contest with Fulham, Ten Hag opted to begin Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as the 2 most superior gamers and whereas the choice paid dividends when it comes to the press and retaining the staff’s defensive form, the midfield pair hardly excelled of their duties as makeshift forwards.
United appeared way more threatening with Zirkzee on the pitch and proceedings on the Amex may very well be the proper second for Ten Hag to thrust him into the XI.
Who between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will accomplice Lisandro Martinez?
A serious choice dilemma Ten Hag is dealing with would be the alternative of participant to accomplice Lisandro Martinez on the coronary heart of United’s defence.
Because it stands, the 2 clear candidates are Harry Maguire and new signing Matthijs de Ligt.
Towards Fulham, Maguire was a rock on the again for his aspect and produced a sensational efficiency that earned him loads of plaudits.
At instances, the 31-year-old got here up with some impressed moments of defending that denied the Cottagers an opportunity to interrupt by way of on Andre Onana’s purpose.
The good selection seems to be sticking with Maguire to take care of his spectacular type, however there’s additionally the query of De Ligt and whether or not United would profit from beginning him early to develop his partnership with Martinez.
When De Ligt got here on instead vs. Fulham, he did nicely and can virtually definitely be raring to go this weekend.
All the eye is on Ten Hag and the choice he makes about who will slot in subsequent to Martinez.
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