Ronaldo, Matic, Mata: A look back at the contrasting XI that were battered away at Brighton last season

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The last few weeks of the 2021/22 season was one to forget for Manchester United fans. They were battered 4-0 away at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Goals from Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard made sure that United’s horrendous campaign ended on an even worse note.

This was one of the lowest points under Ralf Rangnick, before the Erik ten Hag era which has brought a new feeling of optimism and good football back to Old Trafford.

So, hopefully, we won’t see a repeat of this when the Red Devils travel to the Amex on Thursday night.

United’s XI was a stark contrast to what we’ll see on Thursday

United’s team against Brighton that fateful afternoon was as follows:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

• GK – David De Gea
• LB – Alex Telles
• CB – Victor Lindelof
• CB – Raphael Varane
• RB – Diogo Dalot
• CDM – Nemanja Matic
• CDM – Scott McTominay
• LM – Bruno Fernandes
• CAM – Juan Mata
• RM – Anthony Elanga
• ST – Cristiano Ronaldo

This is very different to the side we’ll see on Thursday. Only actually four of these players in last year’s lineup are eligible to play for United this week.

Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Cristiano Ronaldo have all left the club, obviously ruling them out.

Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay are still at the club, but won’t feature due to injury.

This leaves less than half the squad actually available in David De Gea, Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga.

Elanga will also most likely not feature, meaning we’ll see just four players that were in the battering last season.

It is remarkable to see how far United have come under ten Hag in such a short space of time. It makes you optimistic and ultimately excited for the future of the club.