Manchester United will be looking to build on a 3-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League, when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The Red Devils occupy sixth position on the table, three points behind Tottenham, despite having played two games more. Rangnick will be looking forward to the return of captain Harry Maguire who was out with a knee injury.

Bruno Fernandes notched up his 50th goal for the club and Ronaldo is breaking new records game after game. The Reds have had a disappointing run of form lately but Rangnick’s side will be looking to secure all three points in the first of two away games to close the campaign, with a game at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.

Manchester United are seemingly preparing for their new season under Erik ten Hag but Brighton have had a sensational season under Graham Potter, sitting at ninth position on the table. The Seagulls have lost just one of their last six games, which was against Manchester City.

This will be 28th match-up between the two sides; United have won on nineteen occasions to Brighton’s three, with the teams sharing points in five games. In the earlier fixture this season, Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes scored to set up a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

At the Amex stadium last season, the Red Devils managed to win both their games in the league and cup with goals from Marcus Rashford, Mctominay, Mata and Pogba. This would be an ideal game for a similar outcome to give a confidence boost to the midfield if they can contribute to the team’s goals. Ronaldo has been a solo scorer for most parts of the season, which is a cause of concern.

The pairing of Varane-Lindelof is expected to continue in centre-back ahead of De Gea. Fred will take up Matic’s spot and will provide some freedom for Bruno Fernandes to attack. Elanga and Mata will look to Manchester United talisman Ronaldo upfront against a strong Brighton defence.

Injury list:

Paul Pogba is out till the end of the season and has started his search for a new club with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain interested. Edinson Cavani and Fred might be in contention for the starting eleven after making bench appearances against Brentford. This would be a good time to give opportunities to Garnacho, Shoretire, Hannibal and other academy stars.

Jadon Sancho has been ruled out for the remaining two games with tonsillitis. Rashford and Elanga will continue to provide backup in his position. Telles will continue at left-back with Shaw out for a few more weeks. Shaw has been suffering from a leg injury and recently underwent surgery to get the bolts removed from his leg.

Ralf Rangnick will hope that Aaron Wan-Bissaka can make it into the squad but unlikely to replace Diogo Dalot in the starting eleven. Fred’s availability could see Nemanja Matic return to the substitutes bench.

Brighton may be without midfielder Enock Mwepu after an injury during their 3-0 win at Wolves at the weekend. Tariq Lamptey may be back in full-back role for the Seagulls after a substitute appearance from the  bench against Wolves. Jakub Moder has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign but Adam Lallana and Pascal Gross are both available as backup.

Brighton & Hove Albion  form:

Manchester United  form:

Suspensions:

No suspensions in the Manchester United team this week.

Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1):

De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Elanga, Mata, Fernandes; Ronaldo

Read More:

• Erik Ten Hag Identifies €20m Rated Dutch Left-back as his First Man United Transfer Target
• Manchester United Leading Race for €60m Rated Uruguayan Striker, First Offer Submitted
• Manchester United Show Concrete Interest, Set to Submit First Offer for €70m Rated Lazio Midfielder

Predicted Score:

Brighton 1-2 Manchester United

This is definitely a fascinating match-up with the worst performing team at home, Brighton, going against the worst performing side away, which is Manchester United. Since there isn’t a lot to play for, expect a cagey game with a few big chances.

The Brighton team has managed to steal points from top four sides this term. But with Ronaldo in scoring touch expect a brace from him to put some pressure on Mohammed Salah for the golden boot. Leandro Trossard to get a late goal as a consolation for the Seagulls.

Follow AD for the Latest Matchday Updates on Manchester United.