Highly Anticipated Old Trafford Debut: Expected Manchester United Lineup against Brighton and Hove Albion

On Saturday, September 16th, Manchester United is poised for a highly anticipated return to Old Trafford as they prepare to take on Brighton and Hove Albion. Brighton has its sights set on securing their fourth consecutive victory against the Red Devils.

Analysis of Ten Hag's Recent Starting Lineup

Erik ten Hag's squad is in desperate need of three points following a heartbreaking late-game collapse against Arsenal. This unfortunate sequence of events was further complicated by a public dispute between the manager and Jadon Sancho, as well as the absence of Antony, who is now expected to extend his stay in Brazil.

Andre Onana, who arrived at United for a substantial £47 million fee from Internazionale, has become a mainstay in the team's goal, showcasing remarkable ball-handling skills during their recent match at the Emirates. The defensive line saw Diogo Dalot move to the left-back position alongside Lisandro Martinez, while Victor Lindelof filled in for the injured Raphael Varane. Aaron Wan-Bissaka retained his role as the right-back.

In midfield, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen played pivotal roles behind Bruno Fernandes. Antony was deployed on the right wing, while Marcus Rashford, the rising star, occupied his usual position on the left flank, with Anthony Martial leading the attack.

Ten Hag's Urgency to Rebound After a Dramatic Emirates Loss

Following their late-game defeat to Arsenal, Manchester United finds themselves in an unsatisfactory 11th place in the league standings after their initial four fixtures. The recent match against Arsenal appeared to be a sure win for United, with Alejandro Garnacho calmly slotting in a goal during the 88th minute.

Allegations of assault have emerged against Antony, the 23-year-old, with two other women coming forward with claims. Antony has vehemently denied all accusations.

In light of Antony's absence, Jadon Sancho is unlikely to make his way back into the lineup. Ten Hag, the Dutch manager, omitted Sancho from the squad that traveled to face Arsenal and openly criticized the player's performance during training sessions.

In a now-deleted social media post, Sancho asserted that he had been made a "scapegoat." He claimed that his training performance had met the expected standards, suggesting that there were "other reasons" behind his exclusion, though he did not elaborate further. As a result of his refusal to apologize to Ten Hag, Sancho has been instructed to train separately from the first team.

Additional Team News and Injury Updates

Some positive news awaits Manchester United fans. Argentine international Lisandro Martinez is expected to make his return to the lineup and start, according to reports from the Evening Standard. Additionally, new signing Sofyan Amrabat is likely to feature despite withdrawing from Morocco's international squad due to a minor injury.

Mason Mount remains sidelined due to injury, as does Raphael Varane. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also unavailable, Sergio Reguilon or Diogo Dalot are expected to fill the left-back position. Other injured players include Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup against Brighton

Anticipated Starting XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Amrabat, Eriksen, Fernandes, Rashford, Holjund

Given the limited options at right-wing, with Facundo Pellestri unlikely to secure a starting role from his fringe position, Ten Hag may resort to starting Fernandes on the right and allowing him to drift inward when in possession. The Old Trafford faithful can look forward to home debuts for Amrabat and Holjund.

Manchester United is likely to employ a 4-4-2 formation, with Rashford and Holjund positioned just off the Brighton center-backs. Brighton typically encourages an opposition press toward their center-backs to create passing lanes.

United's manager is determined to secure a resounding victory against the high-flying Seagulls, particularly after Brighton's triumph in the same fixture on the opening weekend of the previous season.

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