Key items to consider before Manchester United’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion | The People’s Person | Manchester United News | Transfer News
If Erik ten Hag’s team doesn’t pull off an improbable 4–0 triumph at the Amex Stadium, they would complete the Premier League season with a negative goal differential, capping off a disorganised and miserable campaign.
It was suddenly revealed yesterday that this match would be Roberto De Zerbi’s last as manager of the south coast club, Brighton, adding another importance to the contest.
While making the 260-mile journey from Manchester to Brighton, here are three storylines that traveling away supporters may get their teeth into.
Is the league a viable option for United to gain a spot in Europe?
Since the 2013–14 season, when David Moyes took over as manager, Manchester United have qualified for Europe on every occasion. It would be the first time in ten years that they have failed to qualify for a European football tournament if they were to lose today.
They still have the FA Cup final to look forward to; if they win, they can bring the storied trophy back to Manchester and guarantee themselves a place in the Europa League for the next season, regardless of how they do in today’s assignment.
United can only get as high as seventh place because of the enormous goal differential between them and Chelsea, who are currently in sixth position.
While some supporters may see this as a step too far, others see it as an opportunity to showcase the team’s youthful ability and offer the Old Trafford squad a shot for a championship. Either way, it would be the first time the club has ever played in the Conference League.
Is there any hope for Erik ten Hag’s starting back-center-back duo to gel?
Although the team’s coach and players are mostly to blame for the disappointing league season, it is important to note that injuries have severely limited their performance.
Starting midweek in a crucial match against Newcastle, Jonny Evans and Casemiro have taken a heavy knock to the central defensive zones.
Nevertheless, according to The Peoples Person, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, who have both been out for lengthy periods due to injuries, will start this game.
It would be a huge confidence booster to start those two together in the cup final against Manchester City, but first they need to pass this crucial test.
Since Varane’s departure is imminent due to the expiration of his contract, this would also provide him the opportunity to start in his final league match for the club.
With Luke Shaw still out, United can only field a back four of Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, and Varane, which would be a pleasant sight for the club’s supporters.
Defeating Brighton and preventing a sixth straight league loss
Even though United have a strong historical record in this match, the tide has turned recently and not in their favor.
Actually, United’s last league victory against the Seagulls was a 2-0 Old Trafford victory in February 2022.
The FA Cup semi-final between United and Arsenal last year ended in a penalty shootout.
When the Red Devils last visited the Amex, it was in September 2020 for a back-to-back league and League Cup victory (3-2 and 3-0, respectively).
But in United’s last four league meetings, Seagulls have scored ten goals to two, with two of those wins coming at Old Trafford.
With a victory today, Brighton will tie Norwich City for the most consecutive league victories by a club since they achieved it from 1988 to 1990.
The exciting last day of Premier League action is set to begin at 4pm UK time.
Read also: How Manchester United should line up vs Brighton in Premier League fixture