Does the internal turmoil at Man United also make itself felt in sporting terms?

Erik ten Hag is about to play his first competitive match as Manchester United’s new head coach. On Sunday, the Red Devils start their next adventure in the Premier League under the Dutchman. As expected, Man United will be favourites at home against the Seagulls from Brighton. So far, Manchester United have never lost a home match against Brighton.

If the home record against the Seagulls can be improved with another win, odds of 1.65 on Manchester United vs Brighton are available for a bet on the hosts from Manchester. Last season, Man United beat Brighton 2-0 at Old Trafford to record their eighth successive home win over the Seagulls in the competition.

A similar result cannot be ruled out this time around. Erik ten Hag’s side played a commanding summer preparation, including a 4-0 test match win against Liverpool FC. In return, however, there was no success to cheer for in the last three test matches.

It therefore remains to be seen in which condition Man United will start the season against the Seagulls. The Red Devils have had to deal with internal turmoil in recent weeks. In the test match against Rayo Vallecano, numerous players left the match early, including club icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United – Statistics & current form

Manchester United only finished sixth last season and remain out of the Champions League this season. The Red Devils will only be represented internationally in the second-tier Europa League. The focus this season is therefore on the league competition, where Man United are aiming for a major coup under Erik ten Hag.

The last time United were English champions was in 2013. Since then, Manchester United have lagged behind the high expectations despite major investments in the transfer market. Under ten Hag, the Red Devils are now daring to make the next big change and have once again increased the number of players in the squad.

Some players, however, have been discarded. These included Paul Pogba, who moved to Juventus Turin on a free transfer. Manchester United, on the other hand, have strengthened their squad with new arrivals such as Martínez, Eriksen and Malacia. The signing of Martínez, who is to strengthen United’s central defence, was particularly pleasing. Maguire is expected to make way for him on the bench.

Will Man United continue their home series against Brighton?

Man United’s first competitive game of the 2022/23 season takes place at Old Trafford. Opponents Brighton come in handy, after all United have won their last eight home games against the Seagulls. It is therefore not at all surprising that Manchester United vs. Brighton is rated as favourite according to the odds.

The last time Manchester United lost a home game in the Premier League was in January 2022. Since then, the Red Devils have not lost a single home game in nine league matches. The record in the opening games of the season is also encouraging. Manchester United have started successfully in the Premier League in ten of the last 13 seasons.

Last season, Manchester United even kicked off their PL adventure with a 5:1 thumping of Leeds United. MUFC coach Erik ten Hag will only have to do without Martial, Rebollo and Williams for Sunday’s match against Brighton. In return, Sancho and Shaw are expected to be back in the squad line-up.

Predicted Manchester United line-up:
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, L Martinez, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga; Rashford

Last matches played by Manchester United:

Friendly club matches
31/07/2022 – Manchester United 1 – 1 Rayo Vallecano

30/07/2022 – Manchester United 0 – 1 Atletico Madrid

23/07/2022 – Manchester United 2 – 2 Aston Villa

19/07/2022 – Manchester United 3 – 1 Crystal Palace

15/07/2022 – Melbourne Victory 1 – 4 Manchester United

Brighton – Statistics & current form

Brighton approach the 2022/23 season in the English top flight with a largely settled squad. The Seagulls were only forced to give up two key players in the recent transfer window, Cucurella and Bissouma. However, Brighton have strengthened their squad with the addition of Colwill (Chelsea), Enciso (Libertad) and Adingra (Nordsjaelland).

In the preparation phase for the new season, Brighton have been convincing, losing only one of five friendly matches. In the dress rehearsal before the start of the season in the Premier League, the Seagulls even celebrated a 5:1 victory against Espanyol. If the visitors from Brighton can build on this, a goal success at Manchester United is also a possibility.

Brighton’s last league defeat on a season-long basis came against Manchester City in April 2022. Since then, the Seagulls have not lost a match in the league. In the last five seasons, Brighton have won twice to start the season. Three times, on the other hand, the Seagulls have lost.

Will Brighton beat Man United again?

Sunday’s opponents from Manchester have been among the Seagulls’ fears in recent seasons. Prior to their recent win over the Red Devils, Brighton had lost six of their last seven league games against Man United. Only against Manchester City, United’s city rivals, have they suffered more defeats in the Premier League.

It is unlikely that that record will be improved this weekend. Brighton have never won a competitive match at United’s Old Trafford in the club’s entire history. In 14 attempts, there have been twelve defeats, while two matches ended in a draw.

Head coach Graham Potter will start Sunday’s match in Manchester with his best possible line-up. Among others, the recovered Alexis Mac Allister will be available again. Only Jakub Moder will have to miss the season opener due to injury.

Predicted line-up of Brighton:
Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Mwepu, Gross, March; MacAllister, Welbeck, Trossard

Last Brighton games:

Friendly club matches
30/07/2022 – Brighton 5 – 1 Espanyol

26/07/2022  Brighton 0 – 1 Brentford

23/07/2022 – Reading 1 – 2 Brighton

17/07/2022 – Brighton 4 – 1 Estoril

09/07/2022 – Brighton 0 – 0 Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Manchester United – Brighton Direct Comparison / H2H Record

After the last 28 meetings between the two clubs, Manchester United lead the direct comparison against the Seagulls with a record of 19-5-4. Twelve of those 19 wins have come at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have a home record of 12-2-0 against Brighton. United’s recent run of eight straight home wins over the Seagulls spans all competitions.

Last season, Manchester United won 2-0 at home to Brighton at Old Trafford. However, Man United lost the second leg 4-0 at the Seagulls, their highest ever defeat against Brighton.

Manchester United – Brighton Tip

Manchester United are on the road to redemption this season. For the team of head coach Erik ten Hag, the season opener in the league is therefore of immense importance. After all, United are under pressure to succeed after finishing sixth last season. The minimum goal this season is a place in the top flight.

The Seagulls come in handy as the opening opponent. So far, Manchester United have never lost a home game against the club from the south coast of England. Most recently, United even beat Brighton eight times in a row at Old Trafford. It is quite possible that this record will be extended this season as well.

Although United have been plagued by internal turmoil surrounding “CR7” in recent weeks, head coach Erik ten Hag’s side have played a commanding pre-summer campaign. The Dutchman has done an excellent job at United so far and could be rewarded with three points at the start of the season.

We expect a one-sided match, dominated by the Manchester side before the break. With a stake of six units, we place our bet on Manchester United vs. Brighton at odds of 2.62 on “HT/FT: 1/1”.