Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the opening game of the season, Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways against Brighton & Hove Albion.

With a few key players missing from the starting lineup last week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make changes to his side as they travel to The Amex.

Here is how United could shape up against Brighton.

GK - David De Gea

Despite the continuous media speculation surrounding the number one spot and whether Dean Henderson can mount a challenge to be the first choice goalkeeper, David De Gea is likely to keep his place between the sticks for the second league game of the season.

The fact that De Gea played the opening game against Palace with Henderson being given 90 minutes in Tuesday's FA Cup win against Luton Town suggests that the latter will be Man United's cup keeper this season.

RB - Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Alongside the forward line, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is up there amongst the first names on the team sheet having flourished into arguably the best one-on-one defender in the world last season.

Although the right-back position was occupied by Timothy Fosu-Mensah last week, that decision was said to be based on Wan-Bissaka not being up to full fitness and with 90 minutes under his belt against Luton it is expected he will retain the right-back spot.

CB - Eric Bailly

With a lack of transfer activity this summer, United have not strengthened the centre-back position as many expected they would and it is looking increasingly likely that Solskjaer will have to make the best of what he has.

If Eric Bailly can stay fit there is no doubt he can stake a real claim for a starting position at the back and with Victor Lindelof failing to perform against Palace, the Ivorian may take his place following a comfortable performance midweek.

CB - Harry Maguire

Much like Lindelof, Harry Maguire looked shaky at best in the opening game of the season as the Red Devils shipped three goals in a game that they were expected to win.

However, Maguire still has the ability to improve the defence as shown last season and the leadership qualities he possesses means Solskjaer will not drop his captain with his Swedish colleague much more likely to face the chop.

LB - Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw did not have the best of games last week having been caught sleeping as he let Andros Townsend run free to score the opening goal of the game.

However, the former England international's absence towards the end of last season was felt and the side looked much better defensively with him in it.

With that being said though, it would not be surprising to see Brandon Williams replace Shaw as he did in a fantastic breakout season last term and if Shaw is given the start he will certainly have to bounce back or face the pressure of Williams breathing down his neck.

CM - Paul Pogba

Like the majority of the team last weekend, Paul Pogba produced a lacklustre performance and went missing in certain periods of the game.

Additionally, with new signing Donny van de Beek coming off the bench to score on his debut, there is no added pressure for Pogba to recreate his scintillating from the second half of the 2019/20 season.

He now needs to kick into gear sooner rather than later this campaign and what better chance to do so than this weekend's must win game.

CM - Nemanja Matic

Although Scott McTominay did not really do a lot wrong against Palace, his style of play does not really provide the out-and-out defensive cover that allows Pogba the freedom to roam.

Nemanja Matic has not yet featured this season, however, his defensive capabilities could see him come into the team this week to give Pogba the licence to get forward into the pockets where he can really excel.

RW - Mason Greenwood

Perhaps lacking the fitness required for the season opener due to his quarantine period, Mason Greenwood starting on the bench in the 3-1 defeat with Daniel James taking up the right-wing role.

James never really got going in the game and thus was hauled off at half-time as he was replaced by Greenwood. With that taken into account along with Greenwood's impressive showing against Luton, the 18-year old is more than likely to start as he looks to kick on from his 18 goal season.

AM - Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the first name on the team sheet every week for United and having completely reversed the side's fortunes last season, the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year can certainly be the man to be the driving force in the attempt to get back to winning ways against Brighton.

LW - Marcus Rashford 

Marcus Rashford was unable to get a foothold in the game against Crystal Palace and will have been disappointed he was not unable to pick up where he left off last campaign having scored 22 goals in all competitions. 

The 22-year old did look lively as he came off the bench to score against Luton and will be hoping to carry that moment into this game.

ST - Anthony Martial

Last seasons top scorer and Players' Player of the Year looked completely lost last week and although much of that was due to a lack of service, the France international will have been disappointed not to have been on the scoresheet.

If he can get into good positions and receive better service from his teammates against Brighton, Anthony Martial will be vital to the team's hopes of three points.

VAVEL Logo
About the author