Manchester Utd – Brighton : Preview & Prediction
While Manchester United’s rebuilding work continues under new manager Erik ten Hag, his signings of Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen have been overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The coach also had to lay down the law after Ronaldo and others left a pre-season friendly early – hardly ideal preparation for this new season.
On the pitch, the Red Devils will be looking to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish after limping home with one win in their last six Premier League (PL) matches (E1, P4), including a 4-0 humiliation by Brighton & Hove Albion on the penultimate matchday. Man United will be hoping that never losing a home meeting between them (G12, E2) and winning ten of their last 13 PL openers can protect them against a repeat of that fixture.
However, Brighton manager Graham Potter will take his side to Old Trafford believing they can make more history after their first top-half PL finish last season. His stock will rise further if he can match that ninth place finish, particularly after Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma left the club this summer, with all eyes on how to reinvest after big sales.
Brighton were stronger away from home last season than at home, picking up 57% of their PL points away from the AMEX Stadium, notably winning all but one away league game in which they scored first (G6, E1). That suggests that if they want to break new ground and prevail at Old Trafford, their best chance is to attack first.
Players to watch: All five of new Man United signing Christian Eriksen’s goal contributions for Brentford last season (one goal, four assists) were recorded in wins, four of them in games with more than 2.5 goals. Meanwhile, Brighton’s Pascal Gross scored between the 40th and 60th minute in all three of Brighton’s previous PL head-to-head wins.
Key stat: Brighton won their first away league game in each of the last three seasons – each match recorded exactly three goals.
Manchester Utd – Brighton : Betting Tips
Manchester Utd – Win Odds: 1.65
