Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Brighton

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United are undefeated in 2025 after a nightmare end to 2024, a record Ruben Amorim will hope to keep intact.

After how terrible December was, it is encouraging that January has seen Manchester United much improved.

United started the year by drawing with Liverpool at Anfield – impressively even deserving more against the runaway league leaders.

Following this, Ruben Amorim saw his side triumph over Arsenal in a penalty shootout to knock Mikel Arteta out of the FA Cup.

Most recently, United came from 1-0 down to beat Southampton 3-1 with Amad Diallo scoring a hattrick.

Now, United hosts a Brighton side who have only won two in 10 – both coming against clubs likely to be in the championship next year.

• READ MORE: Premier League 24/25: Man Utd Fixtures, Schedule, International Breaks & More

How Manchester United will line-up against Brighton

United are once again in the groove of playing a game every few days, and with Europa League knockout qualification on the line next week against Rangers – some rotation may be in order against Brighton.

Brighton were Erik ten Hag’s bogey team, yet they are now a very different prospect, which should see Amorim confident that he can score a second win on the bounce and move toward the top half.

Andre Onana

Altay Bayindir is a closer competitor for Andre Onana these days after his heroics against Arsenal, but the Cameroonian should start this one.

• READ MORE: Who is Andre Onana? Delve into the life of Manchester United’s Cameroonian shot-stopper

Matthijs de Ligt

On the right of the back three, Matthijs de Ligt would be our choice with Leny Yoro dropping out. Yoro struggled against Southampton and so we imagine Amorim will return to his tried and tested formula this weekend.

• READ: Who is Matthijs de Ligt? Meet Manchester United’s new centre-back

Harry Maguire

In the central defensive role, we envision Harry Maguire starting after he was rested midweek.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Maguire? A look at the life of the Manchester United and England colossus

Lisandro Martinez

On the left, Lisandro Martinez should continue as he has impressed in recent games. Martinez has no real backup, with Godwill Kukonki involved for the U21s.

• READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine

Amad Diallo

Amad scored a hat-trick and saved United on Thursday, so we fully expect he will be back at right wing-back here, although we would like him closer to goal even in this role.

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Manuel Ugarte

After impressive form lately, Manuel Ugarte was slightly off his game on Thursday although this could be due to the accumulation of minutes. Despite this, United need Ugarte’s presence in midfield this weekend.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

Toby Collyer

Kobbie Mainoo was taken off at half-time due to tiredness against Southampton as per club media. So we would hand Toby Collyer a start against Brighton this weekend, his former club. Collyer has been impressive recently and deserves his chance.

• READ: Who is Toby Collyer? Meet the Manchester United starlet who has been compared to N’Golo Kante

Noussair Mazraoui

At left wing-back, Noussair Mazraoui should continue in order to allow a more offensive option on the other side. Diogo Dalot will return to the squad, but we’d choose Mazraoui for this one.

• READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is a definite starter. Bruno has quietly been having an impressive campaign and will look to lead United to another win here.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Alejandro Garnacho

After earning his way back into the team, Alejandro Garnacho has started consecutive games and we think he could start again to face Brighton. Garnacho should have had an assist against Southampton and has been impactful with Amorim’s impact clear.

• READ MORE: Who is Alejandro Garnacho? Meet Man Utd’s dazzling Argentine

Joshua Zirkzee

With Rasmus Hojlund’s goal-scoring struggles, we expect that Joshua Zirkzee has played his way into the starting line-up for this weekend. De Ligt praised Zirkzee for his contribution against the Saints.