Rasmus Hojlund will make his first start for Manchester United when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United will look to return to winning ways when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has a plethora of roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Jadon Sancho and Antony are unavailable due to their respective off-field issues. While Sancho is not training with the first team after his run-in with the manager, the Red Devils have given Antony some time off due to the controversies surrounding him.
Meanwhile, deadline-day signing Sofyan Amrabat has been struggling with a back injury. The trio has joined Tom Heaton (calf), Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Raphael Varane (knock), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the sidelines.
In addition, there are concerns surrounding Mason Mount, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. And ten Hag addressed questions on Mount and Varane’s availability during his pre-match press conference, revealing they are close to returning. He said, “Both are in a good place. They are shortly coming [towards] a return.”
Ten Hag also discussed Amrabat’s injury, suggesting the Moroccan international should be at his disposal soon. He said, “Amrabat, he came back unfortunately with the injury, so he will not be available for tomorrow [Saturday], but I think, on the short notice [soon], yes. And I’m sure we will all get joy from them.”
With Amrabat unavailable to make his debut, Christian Eriksen will line up alongside Casemiro in the double pivot in the middle of the park. Bruno Fernandes should reprise his usual no. 10 role, while Facundo Pellistri should get a chance to impress.
Pellistri will line up on the right flank, with Marcus Rashford featuring on the left wing. Alternatively, ten Hag can opt for a fluid wing setup by starting Alejandro Garnacho instead of Pellistri. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund will make his first start for Manchester United, spearheading the attack against Brighton.
As for the defensive unit, Lisandro Martinez should return in time to form the central defensive partnership alongside Victor Lindelof. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should continue as the full-backs, with deadline-day signing Sergio Reguilon missing out. Finally, Andre Onana will take his spot between the sticks on Saturday.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Pellistri, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
