Man United were held to yet another draw in the Premier League this time by Southampton at Old Trafford and if they can’t get their focus back then their form could even worsen in midweek.
On Tuesday, Man United take on Brighton and Hove Albion and with the kind of form that Graham Potter’s side are in right now, there’s every chance of an upset. The Seagulls are ninth on the Premier League table and have not tasted defeat in their previous five league outings.
United have won their last 6 matches against Brighton in all competitions but they have suffered back to back draws and their confidence has clearly hit rock-bottom. The Old Trafford outfit will undoubtedly go into this game as the favourites but Graham Potter’s side will not shy away one bit to try and throw the kitchen sink at the home side.
It’s not that the whole team is playing poorly but some players just cannot pull up their socks and match their other teammates’ performances. This is the game when Ralf Rangnick needs to make some tough selection calls since something or the other needs to change if Man United want to break the jinx and pick up a win ahead of their return to the Champions League.
United have already fallen out of the top four and if they cannot win against Brighton then it will be really hard for them to grab a Champions League spot on the league table since most of the other contenders have played lesser games than them.
Man United team news vs Brighton:
Harry Maguire had another poor outing during the weekend and its high time that the manager drops him to the bench. The England international is not adding any value to the side and he should definitely start on the bench vs the Seagulls.
Eric Bailly is out injured so Victor Lindelof should be the one who partners Raphael Varane in central defence.
Alex Telles was also back on the bench vs Southampton and he will be pushing Luke Shaw for a place in the side on Tuesday.
Gutted to only have taken a point let’s keep pushing we have to stay positive, the fight is not over. 💪🏼 @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/13m6y3Rgji
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) February 12, 2022
Paul Pogba played with a lot of authority in the 1-1 draw but Fred should be coming back to training this week and there’s a chance that Rangnick could select the Brazilian ahead of Pogba.
Brighton play some really fluid football which will force Pogba to ditch his natural attacking game and when he does that, the Frenchman goes completely missing.
Paul Scholes criticized Bruno Fernandes after the Saints game but there’s no way the Portuguese will be dropped to the bench.
Rashford is another player who is not playing up to his potential and the manager could also look to drop him, bringing in young Anthony Elanga on one of the flanks.
Jadon Sancho is coming into his own so he’s a guaranteed starter but the Man United boss will face a major dilemma in terms of Cristiano Ronaldo. The goals have dried up for him and it looks like his confidence has also taken a hit. He had a rating of just 6.8 out of 10 in the Southampton game.
Edinson Cavani is the other striker in the side but the South American has picked up a groin injury so Rangnick has no other option but to stick with Ronaldo.
The manager told the press on Saturday: “Edi, unfortunately, had to pull out after training last night. It was some groin problems. He had treatment but, in the end, he just said he’s not available.”
Man United’s absentees vs the Seagulls:
Nemanja Matic – Shin Injury – Ruled out.
Edinson Cavani – Groin Problem – Ruled out.
Eric Bailly – Ankle Injury – Ruled out.
Mason Greenwood – Unavailable.
