Shea Lacey could be handed his first-ever Manchester United start as Darren Fletcher welcomes Brighton to Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
Manchester United turn their attention to the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, as Darren Fletcher’s side welcome Brighton to Old Trafford.
The Reds have already contested 22 competitive matches this season, with 21 coming in the Premier League and the other a Carabao Cup second-round defeat to Grimsby Town. The introduction of a new competition therefore provides a welcome change.
Following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday, United were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley on Wednesday evening. Despite the result, there were positives to take, including a brace from Benjamin Šeško and a cameo appearance from 18-year-old Shea Lacey.
The visit of Brighton arrives at a time of continued uncertainty at Old Trafford, with the club still searching for a caretaker manager to oversee the side until the end of the 2025/26 season. Former Reds Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick are among the leading candidates.
Lacey could be handed first Old Trafford start
While the FA Cup often offers teams the chance to rotate and play fringe players in the second half of the Premier League season, Fletcher could instead use the game to help his side build consistency and confidence by fielding a strong line-up.
With this in mind, although Altay Bayındır remains in the squad, Senne Lammens could start in goal for United with the aim of keeping his third clean sheet of the season.
One change that could be made is Leny Yoro subbing in for one of Aydne Heavne or Lisandro Martínez at centre-back. Heaven has started eight fixtures in a row and could do with a rest, while Martínez’s previous fitness problems could see him dropped to the bench to preserve his levels.
Meanwhile, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu could replace Luke Shaw at left-back, again to preserve fitness, while Diogo Dalot is expected to play at right-back, as he is still the club’s only first-team option in that position.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could be in line to start his first game since the end of August after he returned from injury in midweek, and could line up against Casemiro, who only played 74 minutes against Burnley, as opposed to the full 90.
Bruno Fernandes played around an hour as he rebuilds his fitness after a hamstring problem and may be expected to keep his place as the side’s attacking midfielder, with no other real options present.
At the same time, Šeško should be starting to maintain his confidence after his two goals in midweek, while Matheus Cunha is the clear option to start on the left.
Read More: Kobbie Mainoo reveals what Ole Gunnar Solskjær did for him in 2021 amid Man Utd return latest
Lacey’s cameo against Burnley was bright, and if he’s surrounded by Fernandes, Šeško, Dalot, and Casemiro on the right flank, it could be the perfect chance for the 18-year-old to be handed his first start for the club and his debut minutes at Old Trafford.
There is also a chance that 15-year-old JJ Gabriel could be handed a spot on the bench for the very first time. The teen star is unable to play in the Premier League due to age restrictions, but he can play in the FA Cup.
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