Man Utd v Brighton: Opposition preview - summer signings, pre-season results & more

We take a look at how Manchester United’s opponents have fared this summer.
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Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend when they host Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Red Devils lost 4-0 to Graham Potter’s side in their penultimate game of 2021/22, and will be out for revenge in Erik ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge.

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The Seagulls ended last season in ninth, three places and seven points worse off than United.

But how have Brighton fared since that huge victory in May, and how is the squad shaping up before the new season? We’ve had a look at their pre-season preparations ahead of Sunday’s big kick off.

Graham Potter is pleased with how Brighton’s pre-season has gone. Credit: Getty.Graham Potter is pleased with how Brighton’s pre-season has gone. Credit: Getty.
Graham Potter is pleased with how Brighton’s pre-season has gone. Credit: Getty.

Who have Brighton signed?

The big summer signing of the summer saw teenager Julio Enciso arrive from Paraguayan side Libertad.

The forward is expected to play a role in the Brighton senior squad this term, while Simon Adingra, who joined from Nordsjaelland in Norway, will likely play in the Under-23s.

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It means the Brighton squad looks largely the same from the one which ended last season.

In terms of departures, the main outgoing was Yves Bissouma, who signed for Tottenham Hotspur, but Marc Cucurella is not expected to be involved as he edges closer to joining Chelsea.

Marc Cucurella is not expected to play for Brighton on Sunday. Credit: Getty.Marc Cucurella is not expected to play for Brighton on Sunday. Credit: Getty.
Marc Cucurella is not expected to play for Brighton on Sunday. Credit: Getty.

How did they get on in pre-season?

Brighton began pre-season with a 0-0 draw with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, before beating Estoril Praia 4-1.

The south-coast club followed that up with a 2-1 win over Reading, before losing 1-0 to Brentford.

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However, Brighton ended the summer with a thumping 5-1 victory against Espanyol, with Leandro Trossard netting a hat-trick.

What’s the manager said?

Speaking after the last friendly win, Potter said he is pleased with the club’s pre-season preparations.

“I’m happy as I can be with this pre-season,” he told the Athletic. “In terms of how we are performing, how we are acting every day and in games.

“We had a tricky game against Estoril [on 16 July] on not the greatest pitch in the world and not the most awe-inspiring environment, but the attitude was spot on from the players.

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“It’s good when you have that, the humility to just get on with your work, do their best, push each other and work for each other.”

Is it a kind opening fixture for United?

Brighton certainly aren’t a side to be taken lightly; they beat United, Arsenal and Tottenham last season and took points off Liverpool and Chelsea.

But, the transfer activity of the Seagulls hasn’t particularly enhanced the squad, while the pre-season results have been mixed.

Given United avoided a start against one of the top sides in the division, and were handed a home clash for Ten Hag’s opener, it’s a fixture they can be relatively happy with.