Match Preview: Brighton vs. Manchester United

Manchester United’s 2025/26 season draws to a close when we face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. The Reds travel south knowing we are guaranteed third spot in the Premier League, regardless of the result, but looking to finish positively. The hosts are still in with a good chance of qualifying for Europe next term, so there will be an expectant crowd inside the Amex Stadium.

United will be wearing our new adidas red shirt again, as we did in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one assist away from breaking the seasonal record in the division, and moving above Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. After six defeats in seven matches against the Seagulls, we managed to overcome them 4-2 at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture.

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice, adding to earlier goals by Matheus Cunha and Casemiro. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side did then knock out us out of the Emirates FA Cup, in the third round at Old Trafford, winning 2-1 in Darren Fletcher’s interim spell in charge. Overall, we have won nine of our 17 Premier League meetings with the south-coast club, losing eight with there never being a draw between the teams in the division.

Our last league draw with Brighton was back in September 1992, when Danny Wallace (below) scored in a contest that ended 1-1 at the old Goldstone Ground. Michael Carrick could make changes and grant some minutes to those who have been patient for opportunities, including the youngsters who were engaged in FA Youth Cup final and Premier League 2 play-off final combat last week. Benjamin Sesko has been sidelined, of late, by a shin injury and Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery on a back issue.