Manchester United will kick off their era under Erik ten Hag when they welcome Brighton to Old Trafford this Sunday.
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)
Key Statistics
Manchester United won just one of their last six Premier League games last season (D1, L4).
The Red Devils have never lost at home to Brighton (W12, D2).
They have won ten of their last 13 PL-opening fixtures.
Brighton picked up 57% of their PL points away from home last season.
They conceded 2+ goals in nine of their last 20 league matches.
The visitors won their first league away game in each of the last three seasons – each fixture produced exactly three goals.
Head to head
In ten PL meetings between both sides, Manchester United have the upper hand, winning seven times while Brighton have three wins.
Latest performances in all competitions (including friendlies)
Manchester United: D-L-D-W-W
Brighton: W-L-W-W-D
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag will officially begin his reign as Manchester United boss this Sunday when he leads his side out against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The former Ajax has been tasked with rebuilding a broken Man United team that were lucky to finish in sixth place last season. The Red Devils ended the previous season in a whimper, winning just one of their last six games of the season, including losing 4-0 to Brighton in the penultimate game of the season.
With the recent additions of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag will feel that his side can at least navigate this early stage of the season.
However, their recent preseason performances will leave him worried as his side have failed to win any of their last three friendlies (D2, L1).
He will hope that the result is just a one-off and that he will get the same kind of result he got against Liverpool and Crystal Palace. But with the future of Cristiano Ronaldo still unresolved and Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial sidelined with knocks, the Dutchman will be sweating to find the right line-up for this game.
Possible Manchester United starting line-up
David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred; Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Injured: Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri, Jadon Sancho
Doubtful: Brandon Williams
Suspended: None
Brighton
Brighton will look to mark the beginning of their sixth consecutive season in the top-flight with a win when they travel to Old Trafford this Sunday.
The Seagulls enjoyed a memorable season last term, finishing in ninth place, which was their first top-half finish in the Premier League.
They come into this tie on the back of a 5-1 win over Spanish La Liga side Espanyol, taking their wins in pre-season to three in five games (D1, L1). Having ended last season unbeaten in five games (W3, D2), they will be desperate to begin the new season on a strong note.
Possible Brighton starting line-up
Robert Sanchez; Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster; Tariq Lamptey, Enoch Mwepu, Moises Caicedo, Solly March; Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Trossard; Deniz Undav.
Injured: Jakub Moder
Doubtful: Kacper Kozlowski
Suspended: None
Prediction
Manchester United 2-0 Brighton
