How Man Utd will line-up at Brighton with Solskjaer set to make further EIGHT changes to starting XI in top four fight
MANCHESTER UNITED take on Brighton on Tuesday night still dreaming of snatching a top-four spot. The Red Devils go into the clash at the Amex Stadium on the back of a last-gasp, extra-time win over Norwich – courtesy of a Harry Maguire header. With the games coming thick and fast, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is […]
MANCHESTER UNITED take on Brighton on Tuesday night still dreaming of snatching a top-four spot.
The Red Devils go into the clash at the Amex Stadium on the back of a last-gasp, extra-time win over Norwich – courtesy of a Harry Maguire header.
With the games coming thick and fast, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to rotate heavily.
And that should mean a return to the starting XI for Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
David De Gea should return between the sticks at the expense of cup understudy Sergio Romero.
Luke Shaw and Maguire are two of just three players set to retain their place from the FA Cup win over the Canaries.
They could be rejoined by Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right-side of the back-four.
Bruno Fernandes will likely keep his place, but may drop deeper – alongside the returning Nemanja Matic – to accommodate Pogba in the No10 role.
Daniel James and Rashford should start on the wings, with Martial – the hat-trick hero from the 3-0 win over Sheffield United – to start up top.
Odion Ighalo, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are likely to slip back to the bench.
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Follow for the latest United news
Ahead of the game, Solskjaer revealed he was hoping to see Rashford rediscover his goal-scoring touch, having failed to score since returning from injury and lockdown.
Solskjaer said: “Of course Marcus has been out for a while but I think he’s looked sharp.
“He came on and looked sharp against Norwich… against Sheff Utd he missed one or two chances.
“But the goals he created is what we’re focusing on and he’s on his way to the best season ever.
“I’m looking forward to him getting more minutes and he’ll definitely score a goal soon.”
And Solskjaer may need his lethal touch, with Man Utd having NEVER beaten Brighton away from home in the Premier League.
On their bogey team, Solskjaer added: “Of course, there’s a reason… they’re a good footballing side, play football and make it hard for you.
“I’ve not been down there myself and fans of course they matter and have an impact on games and football,.
“To get out of this lockdown period is going to be fantastic but at the moment we have to deal with the situation as it is.
“As an away team, sometimes it helps you – but then again when you’re at the bottom, pressure of fans can get to you and give an extra edge.”
Most read in Football
But Solskjaer knows the importance of a win at Brighton – with Champions League qualification the “next step” for this side.
He continued: “I think every year you’re in the Champions League is a great experience.
“For the players it’s a step forward and for us it’s what we’re striving to do… winning trophies.
“We need to focus on one game at a time and there are so many teams that want that place.
“We can’t get distracted about looking too far ahead and onto the next one.”