Ole Gunnar Solskjær has already made history, recently becoming the first Manchester United manager to win his first six matches in charge (in all competitions). A seventh here looks likely on paper, with the ‘Red Devils’ managing three clean sheets in a row ahead of this match, after conceding in eight straight matches prior.
Notably, the goals have started flowing as well. After averaging just 1.33 goals in their first six home league matches, Solskjær’s men have averaged 3.25 across their last four, and scored two goals or more in each of them.
After losing a mere 1-0 to leaders Liverpool last time out, Chris Hughton’s men have little to show from seven matches against the current top six teams so far (W1, D1, L5), with the sole win of that sequence coming in the reverse fixture back in August.
In a stat that frustrates and encourages in equal measure, four of those five defeats have come via a single-goal margin. However, Brighton have kept just a solitary clean sheet away in the league so far, conceding two goals or more in seven of 11 away matches.
Players to watch: Marcus Rashford has scored in four of five league matches since United’s managerial change, while defender Shane Duffy has notched twice in his last six league matches for the ‘Seagulls’.
Stat attack: 77% of Manchester United’s PL matches this season have seen at least three goals – a league-high.
Across all competitions, five of United’s last six matches have seen them open the scoring and/or win the first half.
The home side on the day has won this fixture in four straight H2Hs.
There’s been at least one first-half goal in ten of Brighton’s 11 PL away matches so far.
Will not play
Fellaini M.
(Calf Injury)
Izquierdo J.
(Knee Injury)
Rojo M.
(Injury)
Jahanbakhsh A.
(National selection)
Smalling C.
(Foot Injury)
Ryan M.
(National selection)
Questionable
Sanchez A.
(Thigh Injury)
Bernardo
(Thigh Injury)
Bissouma Y.
(Hip Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Tierney P. (Eng),
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)
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