Joshua Zirkzee will start a competitive game for Manchester United for the first time when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United will aim to extend the perfect start to the 2024/25 Premier League season when they lock horns with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Victor Lindelof is the latest absentee after picking up a toe injury. The Swede has joined Leny Yoro (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), and Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) on the sidelines. However, Jadon Sancho is available after missing last week’s season-opening fixture against Fulham due to an ear infection.
Meanwhile, it is unclear if Amad Diallo will be available to take on Brighton & Hove Albion after a family bereavement. Erik ten Hag did not discuss Amad’s availability but talked about Lindelof’s absence during his pre-match press conference.
The Manchester United manager said, “There is no confusion [about Lindelof], he has an issue on his toe. So hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend. Where as also we have some more [issues], Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund. They are not available as well. Luke Shaw, of course.”
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still on the sidelines, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are automatic picks as the two full-backs. The duo will flank Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, with the pair continuing as the central defensive partnership. The backline will protect Andre Onana, who will take his usual spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. With Manchester United yet to sign a holding midfielder, Casemiro picks himself in the double pivot, although he has shown some promising signs in the early days of the 2024/25 season.
Bruno Fernandes will reprise the no. 10 role after playing in a more advanced position last week against Fulham. Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo should continue as the two wide attackers, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line for the away side in his first start for the club.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
