Manchester United Predicted XI: We predict United manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s starting XI, in their all-important clash with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League

Manchester United Predicted XI: We predict United manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s starting XI, in their all-important clash with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. 

The Red Devils started their 2020/21 campaign in miserable fashion last Saturday, as they went down 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace.

Manager, Solskjaer conceded that his team are well off the pace due to the quick turnaround between seasons. United were only able to play one pre-season friendly.

However, in the week against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup, his much-changed side played well, with a few players giving themselves a chance of selection for the 12:30pm kick-off.

Today’s opponents Brighton have started well this season, putting in a brave display at home to Chelsea, before thumping Newcastle United on the road.

So which United players will be tasked with the challenge of beating the Seagulls? Here we predict Solskjaer’s XI…

Goalkeeper: David de Gea did very little wrong last Sunday, despite conceding three goals. He saved a penalty (which harshly deemed to be retaken) and made other key saves. However, his understudy Dean Henderson pulled off a world-class save against Luton and kept a clean sheet. We believe De Gea will remain in the line-up, but Henderson is hot on his tail.

Defenders: United’s back four were well below par last Sunday, so Solskjaer has a big decision on his hands, following the Luton win. Does the manager, stick with the players who performed well at Luton? We expect Harry Maguire to remain in the team, but Eric Bailly to sit alongside him. Luke Shaw will come back into the team at left back and Aaron Wan-Bissaka completing the defensive line-up.

Midfielders: It’s the midfield position where Solskjaer would struggle to name his very best team, so early in the season. Fans will be desperate to see Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes start in the same team, but once again we don’t believe that will happen at Brighton. We expect Pogba to come out the side with energetic Scott McTominay coming in.

Forwards: Solskjaer was criticised for naming Daniel James on the right side against Palace, so we expect Mason Greenwood to return to the starting line-up. We also expect Marcus Rashford to start on the left with Anthony Martial down the centre as Solskjaer will hope his front three can get amongst the goals this term.

Predicted XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Fernandes, van de Beek, Rashford, Greenwood, Martial