Brighton vs Man Utd: Injury latest on seven United players and predicted return dates
Manchester United head to the Amex Stadium with doubts surrounding the fitness of a number of key players.
Manchester United’s penultimate game of the 2021/22 season sees them travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, a club whose season has been the polar opposite from the Red Devils.
Brighton have so often impressed in games and failed to get the goals and points their performances have deserved.
As for United, they’ve underwhelmed this term and have regularly delivered hapless displays. Yet somehow, they manage to pull off game-changing moments that secure points, and now look set for a top-six finish.
Even the meeting between the two in February offered a small glimpse of the clubs’ seasons, with United grabbing a 2-0 win despite having long spells where they struggled to maintain control of proceedings.
But Ralf Rangnick’s side put in one of their best performances of the campaign when they easily dispatched Brentford 3-0 on Monday night, with Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane among the goals.
The result came despite the absence of a few key players, while two others returned against the Bees after spells on the sidelines.
While Rangnick won’t be thinking about this squad long-term, the Red Devils boss will want to end the season as strong as possible and will hope for a few returning faces when United travel to the south coast for a 5.30pm kick-off this Saturday.
Here’s the latest on United’s recently injured stars…
1. Edinson Cavani
Returned in Monday’s win, but having previously not featured since mid-March for United, is not expected at the Amex. Expected on the bench vs Brighton
2. Fred
Like Cavani, the midfielder came off the bench in the second half against Brentford, as he regained some fitness following an injury he sustained against Everton on 9 April. Fred should be fully fit for Sunday. Expected to start vs Brighton.
3. Harry Maguire
Missed the last two with a knee injury, while he was an unused substitute against Arsenal prior to that. But the United skipper should be involved when the team travel to Brighton, after being pictured in training this week. Expected return: Saturday vs Brighton
4. Paul Pogba
The Frenchman picked up a knock against Liverpool last month which Rangnick confirmed could keep him out for the remainder of the campaign, and potentially end his playing days at Old Trafford. Expected return: Next season