Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has revealed where he stands on Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League match against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim’s men have seen a shift in momentum since the start of 2025 with their results so far, with Manchester United winning two of their three matches.
United picked up a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month and the Red Devils impressed with their performance.
Ruben Amorim’s side then kicked off their FA Cup title defence last Sunday and the Red Devils knocked Arsenal out of the competition on penalties at the Emirates.
The Red Devils played their first match at Old Trafford in 2025 and United came from behind to pick up their first three Premier League points on Thursday evening.
Amad Diallo’s stunning second-half hat-trick sealed a 3-1 win for United over Premier League strugglers Southampton at the Theatre of Dreams.
United disappointed with their overall performance against the Saints, with the Red Devils chasing the match in the second half after conceding before half-time.
Merson makes ‘big pitch’ claim for Man Utd match
Manchester United’s win over Ivan Juric’s Southampton side ensured that the Red Devils climbed to 12th place in the Premier League table.
The Red Devils have won only seven of their 21 league matches in the 2024-25 campaign and United are 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Ruben Amorim’s men are unlikely to mount a challenge for the Premier League top four now, with fourth-place Newcastle 12 points clear of United.
Brighton, on the other hand, are four points clear of the Red Devils ahead of their Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson claims that Brighton will benefit from the “big pitch” at Old Trafford against United.
“It’s a hard game to guess because both Manchester United and Brighton are playing tonight [Thursday],” he said.
“I expect Manchester United to beat Southampton, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they didn’t win either because we’re talking about Manchester United after all!
“I actually think Brighton will win this game at Old Trafford. It’s a big pitch there and I expect Brighton to go through them with ease.
“This is a game that really suits Brighton and that’s why I think United are in trouble here.”
Merson’s prediction for Man Utd vs Brighton
Brighton have won only one of their last five Premier League matches under Fabian Hurzeler, with the Seagulls picking up four draws.
Fabian Hurzeler’s men thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Carrow Road in the FA Cup last week before beating Ipswich Town 2-0 in the Premier League on Thursday.
Merson admitted that he would not be ‘shocked’ if United ‘slipped up’ at Old Trafford and the Sky Sports pundit backed Brighton to win 2-1 on Sunday.
“No-one expected Ruben Amorim to win against Liverpool and Arsenal, so they had that freedom to play like they wanted,” he continued.
“But this is a different game and even if Brighton are above them in the table, it’s a game they should win.
“I think that could be a problem for Manchester United. It wouldn’t shock me if they slip up at home again this weekend.”
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