Manchester United vs Brighton: Match Preview, what to expect, key players | OneFootball

Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford this afternoon.

United ended their four-game winless run in the Premier League with a victory over Southampton on Thursday.

The Red Devils are aiming for two consecutive league victories for the first time under manager Ruben Amorim and the season as a whole.

Brighton started the season strongly, but have suffered a dip in form. They had not won a league game since November 2024 before their victory over Ipswich Town on Thursday.

They have a five-point lead over Man United and will be confident of getting a positive result in today’s encounter.

Match Preview

Man United have lost five of their last six league meetings with the Seagulls.

The Red Devils have also lost their previous two home encounters against Brighton. Only Manchester City have beaten them three consecutive times at Old Trafford.

United will be boosted with the return of wing-back Diogo Dalot, who missed the Southampton clash due to suspension.

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans remain sidelined for the home side.

Brighton will miss Ferdi Kadioglu, Igor Thiag and James Milner. Evan Ferguson and Jack Hinshelwood are back in training, but Brajan Gruda and Mats Wieffer are doubtful.

What to expect

None of the previous Premier League meetings between the two sides have ended in a draw. This encounter should not be any different.

Both teams have conceded 29 league goals this term, and decisiveness in the attacking third could be the difference.

United have scored six fewer goals than Brighton and missed more big chances than them.

Brighton are averaging 6.1 successful crosses per game this term, the fourth-best in the division. They have scored five headed goals, the fourth-best tally in the league.

They will aim to exploit United’s weakness in defending crosses, particularly from set-pieces.

Key players

Man United

Amad Diallo: The Ivorian was the man of the match against Southampton. The Red Devils need him to step up again to secure maximum points against Brighton.

Harry Maguire: He played as a substitute against the Saints but should return to the starting line-up for this clash. His role in central defence will be crucial for United.#

Brighton

Joao Pedro: The Brazilian has scored three goals in five games against United, including one in the reverse fixture.

Carlos Baleba: The Cameroonian is among the league’s best young midfielders. The Seagulls will be counting on his energy in the midfield to reduce United’s control of the clash.

Stats from bbc.com, premierleague.com & sofascore.com.