Three enthralling storylines to keep an eye on ahead of Man United’s clash vs. Brighton and Hove Albion - soccerdelights.com
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Three enthralling storylines to keep an eye on ahead of Man United’s clash vs. Brighton and Hove Albion

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Three enthralling storylines to keep an eye on ahead of Man United’s clash vs. Brighton and Hove Albion

 

Manchester United are set to take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday at lunchtime, with both outfits undoubtedly keen on building on their opening weekend victories.

United got off to a positive start last week as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford, courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee’s late strike. Brighton on the other hand cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Everton.

Erik ten Hag’s men will meet Brighton just over three months after concluding last term’s campaign on the South Coast, where they ran out 2-0 winners. On that occasion, Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund found the back of the net.

Although United triumphed in their most recent clash with the Seagulls, Brighton have proven to be formidable opponents. The Seagulls have secured victories in four of their last five Premier League encounters, including a 4-0 home win in May 2022 and a notable 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in September last year.

There are therefore plenty of reasons for Ten Hag and his players to approach the game with caution, with success far from being a given.

Here are three storylines to anticipate as United prepare to lock horns with Brighton.

Jadon Sancho’s availability

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Ten Hag and which course of action he pursues with regard to Jadon Sancho.

The past tensions between the two are well-known, so it was no surprise that many eyebrows were raised when Sancho’s name was noticeably absent from the matchday squad against Fulham.

Ten Hag later told reporters that Sancho was left out with an injury infection. The Dutch coach however admitted that the forward could have played but ultimately, the decision was made to exclude him.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Sancho did not take the news of his dropping too well and as a result, reaffirmed his desire to depart Old Trafford before transfer deadline day.

During his presser ahead of the Brighton game, Ten Hag was asked about whether Sancho would be available to him for selection.

The United boss remained coy as he deliberately provided a vague and evasive response.

Whether or not Sancho will be part of the squad against Brighton is certainly one for fans to keep a close eye on.

Zirkzee to lead the line

Zirkzee got off to the perfect start to life at United with his strike vs. Fulham.

Heading into the meeting vs. Brighton, Zirkzee will certainly be confident and considering Rasmus Hojlund remains sidelined with an injury, there is an opportunity for the former Bologna man to make his first start for United and lead the line.

Against Fulham, Zirkzee showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table – linking up play, holding up the ball, keeping possession and of course, finishing.

In the contest with Fulham, Ten Hag opted to start Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as the two most advanced players and while the decision paid dividends in terms of the press and retaining the team’s defensive shape, the midfield pair hardly excelled in their responsibilities as makeshift forwards.

United looked much more threatening with Zirkzee on the pitch and proceedings at the Amex could be the perfect moment for Ten Hag to thrust him into the XI.

Who between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will partner Lisandro Martinez?

A major selection dilemma Ten Hag is facing will be the choice of player to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence.

As it stands, the two clear candidates are Harry Maguire and new signing Matthijs de Ligt.

Against Fulham, Maguire was a rock at the back for his side and produced a sensational performance that earned him plenty of plaudits.

At times, the 31-year-old came up with some inspired moments of defending that denied the Cottagers a chance to break through on Andre Onana’s goal.

The sensible choice appears to be sticking with Maguire to maintain his impressive form, but there’s also the question of De Ligt and whether United would benefit from starting him early to develop his partnership with Martinez.

When De Ligt came on as a substitute vs. Fulham, he did well and will almost certainly be raring to go this weekend.

All the attention is on Ten Hag and the decision he makes about who will slot in next to Martinez.

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

 

Phil Foden, a key player for Manchester City and an integral part of the club’s success under Pep Guardiola, has shared his disappointment regarding his close friend Jarrad Branthwaite’s decision to sign with Manchester United.

Foden and Branthwaite have a strong bond, having played together for England’s national team, and Foden’s reaction reflects both personal frustration and the wider implications of the intense rivalry between Manchester’s two major clubs.

In an open interview, Foden revealed that he personally tried to persuade Branthwaite to join Manchester City, a club currently dominating both English and European football.

Foden believed it was an obvious choice for his friend to move to the Etihad, given City’s ongoing success. “I told him to come to City. We’ve been winning everything, so it seemed like an easy decision,” Foden explained.

To Foden’s disappointment, Branthwaite chose Manchester United instead, a club that has struggled in recent years to reclaim its former dominance. United’s inconsistent performances and lack of trophies have stood in contrast to City’s continued triumphs under Guardiola, making Branthwaite’s decision even more surprising to many.

Despite Foden’s efforts, Branthwaite opted to join United, believing in their long-term rebuilding project and the opportunity to be part of a squad aiming for resurgence.

Foden expressed his frustration, particularly about the missed opportunity to play alongside Branthwaite at City. “Playing with him at City would have been amazing,” he said. Foden’s comments illustrate the disappointment of a player who, having experienced great success with his club, felt Branthwaite’s decision represented a missed chance for the defender to advance his career with a winning team.

The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is longstanding, and in recent years, City has become the dominant force in English football, winning numerous titles under Guardiola. Meanwhile, United has struggled with managerial instability and inconsistent performances since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Anold frustration, he acknowledged that his friendship with Branthwaite remains strong. While he respects Branthwaite’s decision, he hinted at the challenges that come with playing for a club like United, where high expectations often clash with underwhelming results.

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

Published

on

BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

 

Phil Foden, a key player for Manchester City and an integral part of the club’s success under Pep Guardiola, has shared his disappointment regarding his close friend Jarrad Branthwaite’s decision to sign with Manchester United.

Foden and Branthwaite have a strong bond, having played together for England’s national team, and Foden’s reaction reflects both personal frustration and the wider implications of the intense rivalry between Manchester’s two major clubs.

In an open interview, Foden revealed that he personally tried to persuade Branthwaite to join Manchester City, a club currently dominating both English and European football.

Foden believed it was an obvious choice for his friend to move to the Etihad, given City’s ongoing success. “I told him to come to City. We’ve been winning everything, so it seemed like an easy decision,” Foden explained.

To Foden’s disappointment, Branthwaite chose Manchester United instead, a club that has struggled in recent years to reclaim its former dominance. United’s inconsistent performances and lack of trophies have stood in contrast to City’s continued triumphs under Guardiola, making Branthwaite’s decision even more surprising to many.

Despite Foden’s efforts, Branthwaite opted to join United, believing in their long-term rebuilding project and the opportunity to be part of a squad aiming for resurgence.

Foden expressed his frustration, particularly about the missed opportunity to play alongside Branthwaite at City. “Playing with him at City would have been amazing,” he said. Foden’s comments illustrate the disappointment of a player who, having experienced great success with his club, felt Branthwaite’s decision represented a missed chance for the defender to advance his career with a winning team.

The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is longstanding, and in recent years, City has become the dominant force in English football, winning numerous titles under Guardiola. Meanwhile, United has struggled with managerial instability and inconsistent performances since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Anold frustration, he acknowledged that his friendship with Branthwaite remains strong. While he respects Branthwaite’s decision, he hinted at the challenges that come with playing for a club like United, where high expectations often clash with underwhelming results.

Continue Reading

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BREAKING: Manchester United have finally decided to part ways with Erik Ten Hag, decision taken by the board this morning to replace Him with Zidane

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BREAKING: Manchester United have finally decided to part ways with Erik Ten Hag, decision taken by the board this morning to replace Him with Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has one signing in mind if he takes over at Man Utd with the former Real Madrid boss now ‘open’ to succeeding Erik ten Hag, according to reports.

The Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season this term with Ten Hag’s side earning just eight points from a possible 21 in their first seven matches this term.

Man Utd, who have scored just five goals in the Premier League this campaign. are currently floundering in 14th and Ten Hag is now under pressure from media, fans and the board to turn around results.

Ten Hag is expected to be in charge of the Red Devils’ first match back after the international break against Brentford amid speculation the Man Utd board could try and keep him in position until closer to January.

Speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ executive committee’s pre-planned monthly meeting last Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “We always talk, every week. I would say every day we talk so, yeah, I expect I will speak with them.”

Pushed on them being in the bottom of half after drawing 0-0 against Aston Villa, Ten Hag replied: “I think you said it very good – it is external noise.

“Internal we are disappointed and we know we need to do better, especially we need to score more because in this moment after this block of games that’s the area we’re really short.

“All the other areas I think we are doing really well. We have four clean sheets so that says a lot about the defending and the organisation. Also now the defending of defensive transitions we are doing really well, so we are really improving on that point.

“Our build-up play is good – we are calm, composed. We’re creating the chances apart from today.

“I think today we should have created more, but that area in the box of the opponent we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.”

There have been rumours of numerous managers being in line to replace Ten Hag if he is sacked with Max Allegri, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank among the names linked.

Former Real Madrid boss Zidane is another manager reportedly on the Red Devils’ radar and reports in Spain claim that he ‘would be open to the possibility of landing at Old Trafford’.

And Zidane ‘already has a priority target in mind’ for the January transfer window with the Frenchman demanding Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as his first signing.

The France international has ‘aroused the interest of Zidane’ and ‘would be fundamental to strengthen a defence that has shown serious weaknesses in recent months’.

The report adds:

‘It is no secret that Zidane deeply admires his compatriot, and believes that his incorporation could give the English team a leap in quality.

‘However, FC Barcelona are not willing to let one of their most important players go. The Catalan club considers Koundé to be untransferable, and the player seems to be fully committed to the Barça project.’

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