Manchester United are set to follow up their third straight win against Brighton this weekend after a rollercoaster run of results in recent weeks.
After a heroic penalty shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup, United suffered a comeback in their midweek match against Southampton at Old Trafford. Despite Southampton’s struggles, who have just six points with a goal average of -32, the team initially looked the stronger side, threatening to pull off a surprising 1-0 victory until Amad, with an incredible hat-trick, reverses the trend in the last ten minutes of the match.
The crucial victory moved United up to 12th in the Premier League, and hopes are high as they prepare to host Brighton on Sunday.
As for team news, Diogo Dalot is back after serving his suspension, but it appears Luke Shaw’s return is still premature.
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Reflecting on the last match against Southampton, where United’s performance was less than convincing, a tactical adjustment seems necessary ahead of the encounter against Brighton. With Harry Maguire expected to start given the pressing need for defensive stability following Leny Yoro’s struggles against Kamaldeen Sulemana, a formation change could be on the cards.
-Kobbie Mainoo struggled to gain control in the last match, which led to a tactical change, allowing Bruno Fernandes to drop back to offer additional support to Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee’s midweek performance solidifies his place in the starting XI for Sunday.
To balance the team, the full-backs can operate effectively in advanced positions, and Amad’s role as a playmaker has been central to United’s attacking fluidity.
As for potential changes, one suggestion would be to deploy Dalot as a left-back with Mazraoui on the right, emulating the successful setup against Liverpool and Arsenal. This move would complete Amad’s transition to a more central position.
Mainoo’s inconsistent form may require a protective strategy, hence the importance of starting Fernandes alongside Ugarte, with Amad reprising his role as one of the No. 10s.
Up front, Hojlund struggled to assert himself in midweek, while Zirkzee’s entry proved beneficial. The Dutch striker’s contributions have been vital, and his starting role this weekend could provide the spark Manchester United need to secure another valuable victory.
