Rúben Amorim has been urged to replace one of his “exceptional” Manchester United stars in the starting XI as Brighton travel to Old Trafford.
Following a stunning 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, Manchester United return to Old Trafford for a tough encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Rúben Amorim’s campaign has been far from smooth, with losses to Brentford and Grimsby Town putting his future under scrutiny.
Yet the win at Anfield — United’s first there in nearly ten years and their second consecutive league victory — has injected fresh belief into the squad and the fans alike.
Even so, Brighton have consistently caused United problems, and Amorim will be eager to make amends after Fabian Hürzler’s side inflicted a 3-1 defeat on his team at Old Trafford last season.
Shearer feels United vs Brighton a “tough call”
United have won two Premier League fixtures in a row for the first time since Amorim took charge at the club last November, and the game against Brighton represents the perfect chance to make it three.
However, the Old Trafford side have taken just 0.8 points a game off Brighton since the 2021/22 season, having lost three fixtures in a row at their own ground against the Seagulls.
Therefore, speaking to The Metro, former Premier League striker Alan Shearer feels that this fixture is a tough call, but that the most likely outcome is a draw.
“This is a tough one to call. Last weekend, Man United had an amazing result at Liverpool, with Brighton deservedly beating Newcastle.
“Brighton are a good team, they create chances and look very well organised. I’m going to go for a draw on this one. It might not be a bad result for both clubs. Prediction – Draw.”
Amorim urged to bench Cunha vs Brighton
Paul Merson, former Arsenal playmaker, has agreed with Shearer’s prediction of a draw, but went a step further to talk about United’s starting XI.
The win against Liverpool saw Benjamin Šeško dropped, with the “exceptional” Matheus Cunha playing as striker, his role being to draw the centre-backs into the middle of the pitch and win second balls.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson explained that he feels Šeško would be a better fit than Cunha to start up front against the Seagulls due to their deeper back line, and that, given Amorim’s love for Mason Mount, Cunha may find himself on the bench.
“Manchester United were very good against Liverpool,” Merson said. “They have now won three out of the last four games, but this is a very tricky game coming up for Ruben Amorim’s men.
“Brighton won this fixture quite easily at Old Trafford last season. The jury is still out on Manchester United. If they win this game, it would be a great result.
“Amorim made a bold decision to bench Benjamin Šeško in the game against Liverpool, and it paid off quite brilliantly for him. But I doubt he will do that again because, unlike Liverpool, Brighton may decide to sit back deep in this game.
“So I’m not sure how effective Matheus Cunha can be in drawing defenders out of position like he did against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. I know Amorim really likes Mason Mount, but I’d be shocked if Sesko doesn’t play because this game really suits the big forward more.
“I don’t think Manchester United will win this game, I’m going for a 1-1 draw here.”
Alternatively, Amorim could choose to drop Mount and revert Cunha to his left-sided attacking role, as the Brazilian international is well known for breaking down tight defensive situations and providing a moment of magic to unlock a stiff back line.
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