Manchester United XI v Brighton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United Predicted Lineup and Injury Latest Ahead of Brighton Clash

Manchester United arrive on the south coast with little left to play for in the Premier League table, yet there remains a sense that this final afternoon at Brighton could offer a glimpse into the club’s next chapter. The noise around Old Trafford has rarely faded this season, but Sunday presents an opportunity for several players to make a statement before the summer rebuild begins.

Michael Carrick confirmed that Benjamin Sesko remains a doubt after aggravating a shin injury during the recent win over Liverpool. The Slovenian striker was withdrawn at half-time in that match after colliding awkwardly with the advertising hoardings and has since missed two fixtures.

Manchester United supporters will still expect a competitive side despite the lack of pressure on the result. Carrick has hinted at rotation, though there remains enough quality available to ensure Brighton face a serious challenge at the Amex Stadium.

Photo: IMAGO

Bruno Fernandes Chases Historic Milestone

One of the major storylines surrounding this match centres on Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has carried Manchester United creatively for much of the campaign and now stands on the brink of another landmark achievement.

Fernandes is chasing what would be his 21st Premier League assist of the season, a remarkable return in a side that has too often struggled for rhythm and consistency. His influence remains impossible to ignore. Whether drifting between the lines or dictating the tempo from deeper areas, Fernandes continues to define Manchester United’s attacking identity.

Carrick appears determined to give him the platform to reach that figure. The expectation is that Fernandes will operate in the No 10 role once again, pulling the strings behind the central striker.

Should Sesko fail to recover in time, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line. That would create space for Patrick Dorgu to return on the flank after recovering from the hamstring issue that has sidelined him since January.

Defensive Changes Expected at Amex Stadium

There could also be significant changes at the back as Carrick manages workloads and assesses options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable following surgery on a back injury, while Casemiro has already played his final game for the club and will not feature again. The absence of the Brazilian midfielder leaves room for Manuel Ugarte to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the pitch.

At the heart of defence, Ayden Heaven may be handed another opportunity to impress. The young defender is highly regarded internally and could replace Harry Maguire in central defence as Manchester United continue to assess their emerging talent.

Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to come into the side at full-back, while Luke Shaw’s experience may prove important against Brighton’s fluid attacking movement.

Carrick even suggested that academy players could feature from the bench after watching Manchester United’s Under-18 side lift the FA Youth Cup earlier this month. There is a growing sense that youth development will play a larger role at Old Trafford moving forward.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup

Manchester United’s predicted lineup against Brighton is expected to look like this:

Bayindir; Shaw, Heaven, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Ugarte; Dorgu, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

There is intrigue surrounding Altay Bayindir’s possible inclusion. The goalkeeper may be given one final appearance before an anticipated summer departure. Despite spending much of the season as understudy, Bayindir has remained professional and patient throughout his time at Old Trafford.

Further forward, Cunha’s movement and aggression should complement Fernandes’ creativity, while Mainoo and Ugarte offer balance in midfield. Even in a transitional moment, there are enough pieces within this Manchester United squad to suggest the foundations of something stronger.

Brighton, meanwhile, remain one of the division’s most organised and technically secure sides. Roberto De Zerbi’s influence still runs deep through their style, making this a difficult assignment despite the relaxed context surrounding the fixture.

Injury Latest Before Final Premier League Match

Manchester United’s injury latest remains relatively straightforward heading into the final day.

Sesko is the major doubt with the shin problem that continues to limit his involvement. De Ligt remains sidelined after back surgery, while Casemiro is unavailable following confirmation of his departure from the club.

For Carrick, the focus will be on balancing competitiveness with experimentation. Supporters may not remember this fixture for its stakes, but they will pay close attention to the signs of what comes next.

There is still pressure attached to the Manchester United shirt, even on a quiet May afternoon by the sea. That reality never changes.