Game Week 9 Predictions: United to edge Brighton at Old Trafford

Man United face Brighton at Old Trafford. After beating Liverpool, can Amorim's Reds win again? Brighton’s Welbeck could hurt his old club.

Brighton will hope to stop United run of consecutive wins, will United let them? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Brighton

Old Trafford

5:30pm

Now, what version of Manchester United are we expecting to see in this fixture after their strong win away at Liverpool last weekend? Can they go on and win again?

United won back-to-back league games for the first time under Ruben Amorim in the Premier League last weekend, and it was a huge scalp. With Brighton visiting Old Trafford, you have a sense of déjà vu. Will they sink or swim?

United sits in 9th on the log, one point better off than Brighton, and a win at Old Trafford on Saturday could well send the Red Devils into the top four for the first time in a long while. That is a huge incentive, one which Amorim wouldn’t like to let slip.

Brighton have been a bit indifferent this season; they have gone five games without a loss and would be better for it if they can pull off another win against Manchester United like they did last season. It will be quite massive for the Seagulls.

Danny Welbeck scored twice in Brighton’s 2-1 win against Newcastle last weekend, and he looks rejuvenated at 34, growing stronger, and could hurt his old team if the United defence goes to sleep; they must keep an eye on him.

Manchester United has a fan who’s itching to get a haircut; the club is aware of the fan’s stance on not getting a haircut until United wins five games in a row. It’s two down now and three to go; Brighton, Forest and Spurs are in his way. Will United finally send him to the barber shop?

How will Fabian Hurzeler approach this? It’s about trying to win for the young manager, and he won’t hold back at Old Trafford, so expect expansive football, wing plays and fast breaks. United will be made to work for whatever they will earn from the game.

Ruben Amorim has hit back at Arne Slot, who criticised his long-ball approach at Anfield last weekend. The Portuguese insists on taking each game as it comes and doesn’t care about the approach that gives him results. What version are we going to see on Saturday?

Bruno Fernandes will play his 300th match for United on Saturday; Amorim will check on Maguire and Mason Mount, but both should be okay. Brighton will also check on Kaoru Mitoma’s fitness, as they would love him running down the United defence.

Verdict: United to win again.