Paul Merson singled out Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha as a core part of his Premier League prediction for Manchester United’s upcoming encounter with Brighton.
Both Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha have been key Manchester United first-team players under Michael Carrick in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
Fernandes is currently on the hunt for the all-time Premier League assist record in a single season after moving level with both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Cunha, on the other hand, is on the verge of signing off his debut season at Old Trafford after United signed him from Premier League side Wolves last summer.
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Paul Merson thinks Man Utd stars Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha won’t want to risk an injury ahead of the World Cup
Manchester United have already ensured that they will finish third in the Premier League table in the 2025-26 campaign ahead of the Brighton match on Sunday.
Michael Carrick has had a seminal impact at Old Trafford since January, including the United legend securing Champions League football for the Red Devils for next season.
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson thinks that the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha won’t be playing at their best at the Amex.
The Sky Sports pundit feels that both Fernandes and Cunha will not want to pick up an injury that would rule them out of this summer’s World Cup tournament.
“Manchester United have sealed third-place and a return to the Champions League,” Merson said.
“So, I doubt they will match Brighton’s intensity in this game. The World Cup begins next month and I don’t think the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha will want to exert themselves too much and risk an injury.”
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Paul Merson predicts the Premier League scoreline for Man Utd’s match against Brighton at the Amex
Brighton can still push for a finish inside the Premier League’s top six this season and Merson thinks the Seagulls will throw the kitchen sink at United in the match.
“This is a massive game for Brighton,” Merson explained.
“They will have to depend on results from the other games kicking off at the same time, but if they win, they still have a chance of playing Champions League football next season!”
The Arsenal legend added: “I’m backing Brighton to get a win. They have more to play for in this game and will be hoping Bournemouth slip up this weekend.”
Merson has tipped Brighton to beat Man Utd 2-1 in Sunday afternoon’s Premier League clash at the Amex.
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