Three enthralling storylines to keep an eye on ahead of Man United’s clash vs. Brighton and Hove Albion | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday at lunchtime, with both outfits undoubtedly keen on building on their opening weekend victories.

United got off to a positive start last week as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford, courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee’s late strike. Brighton on the other hand cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Everton.

Erik ten Hag’s men will meet Brighton just over three months after concluding last term’s campaign on the South Coast, where they ran out 2-0 winners. On that occasion, Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund found the back of the net.

Although United triumphed in their most recent clash with the Seagulls, Brighton have proven to be formidable opponents. The Seagulls have secured victories in four of their last five Premier League encounters, including a 4-0 home win in May 2022 and a notable 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in September last year.

There are therefore plenty of reasons for Ten Hag and his players to approach the game with caution, with success far from being a given.

Here are three storylines to anticipate as United prepare to lock horns with Brighton.

Jadon Sancho’s availability

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Ten Hag and which course of action he pursues with regard to Jadon Sancho.

The past tensions between the two are well-known, so it was no surprise that many eyebrows were raised when Sancho’s name was noticeably absent from the matchday squad against Fulham.

Ten Hag later told reporters that Sancho was left out with an injury infection. The Dutch coach however admitted that the forward could have played but ultimately, the decision was made to exclude him.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Sancho did not take the news of his dropping too well and as a result, reaffirmed his desire to depart Old Trafford before transfer deadline day.

During his presser ahead of the Brighton game, Ten Hag was asked about whether Sancho would be available to him for selection.

The United boss remained coy as he deliberately provided a vague and evasive response.

Whether or not Sancho will be part of the squad against Brighton is certainly one for fans to keep a close eye on.

Zirkzee to lead the line

Zirkzee got off to the perfect start to life at United with his strike vs. Fulham.

Heading into the meeting vs. Brighton, Zirkzee will certainly be confident and considering Rasmus Hojlund remains sidelined with an injury, there is an opportunity for the former Bologna man to make his first start for United and lead the line.

Against Fulham, Zirkzee showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table – linking up play, holding up the ball, keeping possession and of course, finishing.

In the contest with Fulham, Ten Hag opted to start Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as the two most advanced players and while the decision paid dividends in terms of the press and retaining the team’s defensive shape, the midfield pair hardly excelled in their responsibilities as makeshift forwards.

United looked much more threatening with Zirkzee on the pitch and proceedings at the Amex could be the perfect moment for Ten Hag to thrust him into the XI.

Who between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will partner Lisandro Martinez?

A major selection dilemma Ten Hag is facing will be the choice of player to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence.

As it stands, the two clear candidates are Harry Maguire and new signing Matthijs de Ligt.

Against Fulham, Maguire was a rock at the back for his side and produced a sensational performance that earned him plenty of plaudits.

At times, the 31-year-old came up with some inspired moments of defending that denied the Cottagers a chance to break through on Andre Onana’s goal.

The sensible choice appears to be sticking with Maguire to maintain his impressive form, but there’s also the question of De Ligt and whether United would benefit from starting him early to develop his partnership with Martinez.

When De Ligt came on as a substitute vs. Fulham, he did well and will almost certainly be raring to go this weekend.

All the attention is on Ten Hag and the decision he makes about who will slot in next to Martinez.

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