Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United: Key stats and talking points
Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Manchester United to the American Express Stadium on Sunday looking to confirm their place in European football next season. Fabian Hurzeler's side, currently seventh, have enjoyed a splendid campaign and can still book a spot in either the Europa League or the Conference League, depending on how results pan out elsewhere on the final day. Can Welbeck haunt his old club again?
Central to that success has been the form of ex-United striker Danny Welbeck, who will make his 400th Premier League appearance if he features against his old club – the 46th player to reach that milestone. A six-year spell in the first team at Old Trafford for the Manchester-born forward accounted for 92 of those, and he enjoys playing against his former employers more than anyone else. Against no club has Welbeck scored more goals in all competitions than he has against United (eight).
He played more games (36) and scored more goals (13) this term than in another season of his laudable top-flight career. As they come tantalisingly close to realising another European dream – their only previous experience on the continent was a run the Europa League last 16 in 2023-24 – the Seagulls will be reassured to know they have an excellent record against United. In fact, Brighton have the highest win rate against United of any side in Premier League history both overall (47%) and at home (63%).
None of those 17 meetings have ended in a draw. [BBC] United back in the big time Unlike their opponents, Manchester United have already guaranteed themselves a return to European football next season. Michael Carrick's side have sealed Champions League qualification after a two-year absence and will finish third regardless of Sunday's result.
The Red Devils' turnaround under their former midfielder is well-documented. Carrick, who has signed new contract running until 2028, has the best points-per-game (PPG) average of any manager in the division this season (2. 25).