Manchester United predicted XI vs Brighton as three major changes expected

Erik ten Hag is expected to make three major changes to his Manchester United line-up against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

United return to action following the international break and will be hoping to kickstart their campaign with a solid performance and three points against a challenging Brighton side.

Last time out, Ten Hag’s side suffered a blow as they lost 3-1 against Arsenal with two goals coming in added time shortly after Alejandro Garnacho thought he scored the winning goal for The Reds – only for it to be ruled offside by VAR afterward.

Whilst there are still many unavailable players, with both Jadon Sancho and Antony out of action for the foreseeable future it seems, the Dutch manager does have some different options to choose from.

Rasmus Hojlund is now fully fit after making a further two substitute appearances for Denmark following his 30-minute cameo at the Emirates. He is expected to make his full debut for the club in front of the Old Trafford crowd.

There are also other big decisions to be made in the starting team, however, with the position to the Dane’s right being up for debate with both Sancho and Antony out.

Whilst Ten Hag has previously used Bruno Fernandes there, he explained in his pre-match press conference that players who haven’t got many opportunities will now get their chance and Facundo Pellistri seems to be that man.

He has started just once for United during his time with the club but with absences, he could be looking at a starting role on Saturday afternoon. Marcus Rashford is expected to make up the front three and will be comfortable playing from the left side.

The midfield is unlikely to be changed after it was confirmed that Sofyan Amrabat is not yet available for selection. Both Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes enjoyed successful spells with their countries in the last week.

However, there is a decision to be made in the defensive line. Thankfully, it is not in the centre after Ten Hag confirmed Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez were fit to play this clash.

Instead, it is on the left. Diogo Dalot played a solid game at left-back against Arsenal. However, Sergio Reguilon came in as an emergency loan signing on deadline day due to the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Asked whether we can expect the new signing to be involved soon, Ten Hag said: “I think so, yeah. We are a little bit short of defenders, so [Reguilon] can come quickly.”

It suggests that a starting role in the team could be there for Reguilon to take, with Dalot instead set to start in the Champions League against Bayern Munich mid-week.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Andre Onana are also expected to start this encounter.

The full Manchester United predicted XI can be read below:

Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Reguilon; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes; Facundo Pellistri, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford