Manchester United expected XI vs Brighton as Erik ten Hag makes a controversial call

Erik ten Hag is expected not to start Matthijs de Ligt as Manchester United face Brighton in their second Premier League fixture of 2024/25.

Following a 1-0 victory over Fulham, highlighted by Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal at Old Trafford, Manchester United are now gearing up to face Brighton.

Brighton are currently top of the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Everton on the opening day. Erik ten Hag‘s team will meet them in their first home match of the season.

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Against Fulham, new signings Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui made their debuts and earned praise from the fans with their impressive performances.

Mazraoui is expected to continue in the back four following his fantastic performance at right back, while Diogo Dalot will cover at left-back again. Lisandro Martínez, a general of Ten Hag, will continue in defence, while many are wondering if Matthijs de Ligt will be handed his first start for the club.

However, Ten Hag has recently picked his team based on merit, and considering how good Harry Maguire was last weekend, it is more likely that the Englishman will start, which some may see as controversial.

Behind them will be the ever-present André Onana, who is set to start his 40th Premier League tie in a row since he signed for the club in 2023.

Ten Hag has opted to play a duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield, and considering the lack of other options, this will remain the same against Brighton. However, there may be changes once Manuel Ugarte signs for the club from Paris St. Germain.

The attack is the other exciting area that must be considered. United played a front four during the opening fixture, and there has been pressure for Zirkzee to start against Brighton.

After scoring his first goal for the club on his debut, some have pushed the 23-year-old to play up front alongside Bruno Fernandes. However, it is more likely that he will continue to gain minutes off the bench.

On Friday afternoon, Amad Diallo announced the tragic passing of a close family member, and due to this, he may well be given time off from the team this weekend. Should this happen, Alejandro Garnacho will probably start on the right-hand side after goal involvements off the bench in his last two games.

Marcus Rashford will probably continue on the left, and Bruno Fernandes, who has been playing a very forward role since his return from his holidays.

Man United expected XI:

Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martínez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Garnacho, Mount, Fernandes, Rashford.

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