Match Day Live: Manchester United Possible Line-up vs Brighton & Hove Albion
As the Reds prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, the buzz around tactical tweaks and squad choices under manager Rúben Amorim is palpable. With momentum building and another key match on the horizon, here’s a breakdown of how United may line up — the likely XI, the underlying thinking, and what that tells us about the team’s direction.
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Likely XI
The majority of outlets and predictive models suggest a formation somewhere between a 3-4-2-1 and a hybrid 3-4-3, reflecting both the players available and Amorim’s recent tactical leanings. Key predicted lineup:
Senne Lammens
De Ligt | Harry Maguire? | Luke Shaw
Amad Diallo Casemiro Bruno Fernandes Diogo Dalot
Bryan Mbeumo Matheus Cunha
Benjamin Šeško
(Maguire & Mount “doubtful” – fitness pending)
Let’s unpack the selections and what they signify.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens is likely to keep his place. His recent performances have offered stability after earlier questions in this area.
Back three:
Matthijs de Ligt: a regular starter, providing leadership and aerial strength.
Harry Maguire: played last time out, but his fitness is uncertain ahead of this tie.
Luke Shaw: likely holding the left side of the three, offering balance of defence + width.
Alternative: if Maguire can’t go, predictions suggest Leny Yoro might slot in.
This back-three system allows United to face Brighton’s fluid attack with numbers and should give protection on the flanks while enabling wing-backs to push.
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Midfield & Wing-backs
Wing-backs:
Right side: Amad Diallo — given his return to fitness and increasing importance, he offers pace and width.
Left side: Diogo Dalot — experienced, fits the system well, combining overlapping runs with defensive cover.
Central midfield:
Casemiro: anchored midfield, provides the steel, balance and shielding required.
Bruno Fernandes: more advanced, the creative engine and captain, tasked with linking midfield and attack.
Supporting forwards / inside forwards:
Move into more attacking width: Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo’s pace and goal-threat, Cunha’s versatility are valuable.
This structure allows the wing-backs to provide width and the midfield to remain compact, while the two wide attackers can exploit spaces behind Brighton’s back-line.
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Centre-forward
Benjamin Šeško is predicted to lead the line. After recent impact and showing signs of adaptation, he gives United a focal point up front — a nod toward a more direct or vertical option.
If fitness or tactical decisions intervene, someone like Mason Mount or a rotated attacker could appear, but current predictions favour Šeško.
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Tactical Notes & Why This Matters
Momentum and consistency: United are chasing their third successive Premier League win under Amorim. A victory here would mark real progress.
Facing a bogey team: Brighton have won their last three visits to Old Trafford. The matchup has a psychological element and United must break that trend.
System consistency: Amorim appears to be retaining the core of the system that delivered the Anfield win, with selective tweaks rather than wholesale changes. Predictors point to minimal alterations.
Squad management: With some doubts in the squad (Maguire, Mount) and Lisandro Martinez still out, United must manage risk and form. The choices reflect a balance of form, fitness and tactical need.
Attacking intent: The inclusion of Mbeumo and Cunha wide, paired with Fernandes in a central attacking role, suggests United will look to press, transition quickly and use the wings.
Defensive solidity: The back-three + wing-backs structure is designed to give United stability but also flexibility going forward.
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What to Watch
Fitness Update: Will Maguire be fit? His involvement or absence could shift the back-line and change dynamics.
Šeško’s role: How he links with Mbeumo/Cunha and how United utilise his physical presence.
Midfield balance: Fernandes and Casemiro — how they manage the game, transitions and Brighton’s counter-play.
Wing-back push: Amad and Dalot’s involvement in attack. Brighton’s threat on the break means United must ensure discipline from the full-backs.
Breaking Brighton’s hoodoo: United’s mindset in overcoming their recent record vs Brighton, especially at home.
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Summary
In all likelihood, United will field a team leaning on their current form, with a back-three to provide solidity, wing-backs for width, a dual central midfield to balance creativity and protection, and a front three that blends pace, finishing and dynamic movement. If fitness allows, this XI gives them a strong chance to both control the game and exploit Brighton’s vulnerabilities.
For fans — the match is less about experimentation and more about reinforcement of the winning momentum. With Brighton’s away record at Old Trafford stacked against United, the pressure is on. The lineup reflects a side primed to seize the moment.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper look at how the likes of Silva, Minteh or Baleba on the Brighton side could challenge this lineup, or how United might adapt mid-game if things go off script. #mufc #vikings
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