Manchester United travel to Brighton for Saturday’s early Premier League kick off hoping to build on an encouraging victory over Fulham in their opening match of the season. Though the Red Devils only triumphed 1-0, they looked a composed and dominant side especially in possession of the ball.
New forward Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench and combined with fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho to slot home the only goal of the game and get himself off the mark in his very first outing for United. There were plenty of encouraging signs for boss Erik ten Hag though he will realise that his team were too open to the counter-attack and work needs to be done to shore up the defence.
For their part, Brighton have had an exceptional start to the new season. They travelled to Merseyside and faced Everton at Goodison Park. The Toffees, suffering from a few injuries, never turned up and goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra ensured the Seagulls got off to the best possible start and ended the first gameweek top of the table.
Follow all the action from today’s Premier League encounter below:
Brighton vs Man Utd
Since the beginning of 2021-22, only Manchester City and Spurs have earned more Premier League points in August than Brighton’s 25.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:45
Alejandro Garnacho can become world class at Manchester United
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 16 goals in 87 appearances having come through the academy set-up.
Garnacho starred as United won the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and two years on opened the scoring in May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:40
Brighton vs Man Utd
Manchester United can win their opening two league matches of a season for the first time since 2017-18, when they started with three straight victories.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:35
Brighton vs Man Utd
The Seagulls won their opening Premier League fixture for the fourth consecutive season, beating Everton 3-0 in their first game under Fabian Hurzeler.
Albion have lost four of their past five top-flight home games, one more than they had in their previous 25 fixtures at the Amex Stadium.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:30
Brighton vs Man Utd
Brighton’s run of four straight league wins against Manchester United was ended by a 2-0 home defeat on the final day of last season.
Manchester United have lost 43% of their Premier League meetings with Brighton (six of 14), their highest loss rate against a single opponent.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:25
Brighton vs Man Utd team changes
Brighton make one change to the line-up that defeated Everton last weekend. Mats Wieffer is replaced in midfield by Billy Gilmour.
Manchester United are unchanged from the team that started against Fulham.
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:20
Brighton vs Man Utd line-ups
Brighton XI: Steele; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood; Milner, Gilmour; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Amad, Mount, Rashford; Fernandes
Mike Jones24 August 2024 11:15
Erik ten Hag dismisses suggestions he prefers players with Dutch experience
“No, no, not for favourite. First of all, it’s club decisions. None of them is only my decision,” Ten Hag says ahead of next week’s deadline.
“It’s always backed or even brought up through the scouting, recruitment, the technical director, the sporting director.
“It’s a decision made by more than only one but, yeah, some you know, the players and personalities, and also it has to fit also in the finance.”
Jack Rathborn24 August 2024 11:10
Fabian Hurzeler reveals managerial role models ahead of first Brighton home game
Klopp guided Liverpool to the title and Champions League success during his nine-year stay at Anfield, while Tuchel enjoyed European glory with Chelsea in 2021.
Seagulls boss Hurzeler also name-checked 37-year-old Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as influences as he constantly strives to perfect his own footballing philosophy.
Jack Rathborn24 August 2024 11:00
Erik ten Hag: Alejandro Garnacho can become world class at Manchester United
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 16 goals in 87 appearances having come through the academy set-up.
Garnacho starred as United won the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and two years on opened the scoring in May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City.
The Argentina international is now pushing for his first start of the season at Brighton on Saturday lunchtime, having made an impact off the bench in both appearances to date this term.
Jack Rathborn24 August 2024 10:50