Sports Mole picks out three talking points ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Manchester United will be aiming to make it successive wins at the start of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign when they head to the Amex on Saturday afternoon to tackle Brighton & Hove Albion.
Erik ten Hag‘s side beat Fulham 1-0 in their league opener last Friday, and the 20-time English champions will now be eyeing another three points when they take on top-of-the-table Brighton.
Here, Sports Mole picks out three Man United talking points ahead of the clash at the Amex, as both sides look to build on strong starts, with Brighton beating Everton 3-0 in their first match.
Zirkzee, De Ligt in line for full debuts
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Joshua Zirkzee proved to be the Man United hero on his debut, coming off the bench to hit the winner against Fulham, and the Dutchman is now in line for his first start.
The 23-year-old has not started a match since May 11, as he missed the end of last term at Bologna with a hamstring problem and was only a late substitute twice for Netherlands at Euro 2024.
However, after further building his fitness against Fulham, Zirkzee could now start for Man United, with the Red Devils struggling in the final third with Bruno Fernandes as the false nine.
Matthijs de Ligt, meanwhile, was a late substitute in Man United’s league opener, but the Netherlands international will be in manager Ten Hag’s thoughts for a full debut alongside Lisandro Martinez in the middle of the defence.
Fellow new arrival Noussair Mazraoui was a starter against Fulham, and the Morocco international is likely to keep his spot at right-back, with Diogo Dalot required on the opposite side of the field.
Garnacho must be introduced into the starting side
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Having returned to training late due to his involvement for Argentina at the Copa America, Alejandro Garnacho has only been a substitute for his side’s two matches this season.
Garnacho came off the bench to score against Man City in the Community Shield, and he then provided the assist for Zirkzee to register against Fulham after being introduced in the 61st minute.
The 20-year-old is Man United’s most dangerous player, and he must now come into the XI against Brighton, with Amad Diallo likely to be the one to drop down to the bench.
Garnacho scored 10 goals and registered five assists in 50 appearances for the 20-time English champions last term, and he will be expecting to be a huge contributor in terms of goals in 2024-25.
Rashford set to start amid transfer speculation
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Rashford missed two excellent chances against Man City in the Community Shield, and he found it difficult to show his best form in the team’s Premier League opener with Fulham.
It has been a slow start to the new campaign for the England international, and there is fresh speculation surrounding his future, with Barcelona thought to be preparing a move in the final stages of the window.
However, it remains incredibly unlikely that Rashford will depart before the transfer deadline, and the 26-year-old is set to continue down the left for Ten Hag’s side this weekend.
The forward has scored four times against Brighton, winning 11 of his 16 matches against the Seagulls in professional football, and he will be bidding to help his side secure another three points in Saturday’s early start.
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