Overview
Manchester United just had their most impressive victory since Ruben Amorim took charge. The Portuguese tactician hopes to extend that success when hosting Brighton at home.
In the previous round, Man United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield. Harry Maguire became the hero with the decisive header in the 84th minute.
In addition, there was a 2-0 victory over Sunderland in their most recent appearance at Old Trafford. The impressive result against Liverpool means Man United have had a series of 2 consecutive victories in the Premier League under Amorim - the first time since he led the team.
However, the last time the "Red Devils" won 3 consecutive matches was from May to August 2024. In the same season, they have only done it one time in February 2024 (4 games).
If they want to repeat this achievement and improve their ninth place in the rankings, Old Trafford will be an ideal support. Man United have won their last three Premier League home games - the same as their previous 13 home games (D2 L8).
The last time they had a longer winning streak at home was from April to August 2023 (8 matches), but it is worth noting that streak was stopped by a 1-3 defeat to Brighton.
If he wants to continue to turn things around in Amorim's favor, the Portuguese coach will likely put his faith in captain Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. These are the players who left a strong impression in the victory at Anfield.
However, Man United will have to be wary of a familiar face at the other end of the pitch. Danny Welbeck - who played for the "Red Devils" - is in good form with 4 goals in the last 3 matches in the Premier League, more than the total number of goals he scored in the previous 15 matches (3 goals).
If Brighton want to take advantage of Welbeck's impressive form to overcome Man United, Hurzeler will need to urgently improve their defense, which has been playing uncertainly. The coastal club have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League appearances - a 2-0 win over Wolves in May.
However, Brighton's defense does not have to be the deciding factor, considering that they have only lost 2 of their last 13 Premier League matches (won 7, drew 4).
Hurzeler clearly sees that the team still has many areas to improve. Despite winning three of their eight games this season and leading two of their three draws (losing two), their win percentage is just 24.1% - lower than any other team this season. Meanwhile, the loss rate was 38.1% and the draw was 37.8%.
Head-to-head record
Man United are facing a tough challenge against Brighton, having lost six of their last seven Premier League games against the team (W1), double the number of defeats in their first 17 meetings between the two sides (W12 D2 L3).
Brighton have also turned Old Trafford into their favorite stage, winning all three of their most recent visits here in the Premier League.
Notably, the last team to have a longer winning streak at Old Trafford was Manchester City, from 1968 to 1972 (5 matches). Brighton are hoping to get closer to this achievement.
Score prediction: Man United 2-2 Brighton
The match between Man United and Brighton takes place at 11:30 p.m. on October 25 (Vietnam time).
