Brighton vs Manchester United LIVE!
The Amex Stadium plays host to a rematch of last month’s FA Cup semi-final showdown in the Premier League tonight. It has been less than a fortnight since that tense affair at Wembley, when Solly March’s missed penalty following a goalless draw saw Man Utd advance to their second domestic cup final of the season. They have strengthened their grip on fourth place since and can take another major step towards Champions League qualification with another victory this evening.
But Brighton are the surprise package of the season and hit Wolves for six last time out to boost their own chances of European football next term. The Seagulls are desperate for revenge and to make this another torrid trip to the south coast for United, but could be without inspirational head coach Robero De Zerbi on the touchline tonight because of illness.
United make four changes tonight as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Antony and Anthony Martial all come in, while Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma are all back for the hosts as young Facundo Buonanotte also starts. Follow Brighton vs Manchester United live below!
Brighton vs Man United latest news
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Kick-off time: 8pm BST, Amex Stadium
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How to watch: Sky Sports
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Man United team news: Four changes from Ten Hag
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Brighton team news: Caicedo, Mac Allister and Mitoma back
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Evening Standard prediction
Brighton & Hove Albion FC 0 – 0 Manchester United FC
21:23 , George Flood
61 mins: Excellent control from Dalot, who then accidentally catches Buonanotte with a stray finger to the eye.
Brighton are preparing a couple of changes as the teenager receives treatment.
21:22 , George Flood
60 mins: More great touches and another nutmeg from Buonanotte, who is upended by Dalot for his troubles.
The Italian joins Casemiro and Webster in the book.
21:21 , George Flood
58 mins: Wan-Bissaka is tucking in wherever possible to try and show the dangerous Mitoma the outside at all costs.
The Japan international first tries to loft a ball beyond De Gea at the back post with his weaker foot before then teeing up Welbeck, who can’t hit the target.
21:19 , George Flood
57 mins: End-to-end stuff again at the Amex, Caicedo making a block just outside his own box before seeing an effort repelled himself at the other end.
Brighton have been much the better team since the break.
21:18 , George Flood
55 mins: Brighton have had some superb moments of skill so far tonight – including that nutmeg by Gilmour on Wan-Bissaka.
Dalot is caught in possession in a dangerous area as Mitoma weaves into the box and lashes high and wide of the front post with three team-mates waiting in the middle.
Dalot got back there to apply the pressure after his mistake.
21:16 , George Flood
52 mins: Webster takes out Fernandes after the Portuguese tries an inventive first-time pass with the outside of his boot to launch a rapid United counter.
An angry Webster then has a pop at Fernandes, despite having clearly caught him and ended up with a yellow card.
21:15 , George Flood
50 mins: The slippery Enciso is a wonderful talent – the usually excellent Casemiro can’t live with his trickery, speed and movement. Amazing footwork.
More superb feet from the Paraguayan to wriggle free of three red shirts, then driving a shot that is blocked by Wan-Bissaka.
What a goal that would have been!
21:12 , George Flood
48 mins: Brighton’s Argentines Mac Allister and Buonanotte try to link up inside the United box, but De Gea gratefully gathers the loose ball.
Estupinan sends in a dangerous cross towards Welbeck and it’s a vital headed intervention from Shaw, who is looking very assured at centre-back again tonight.
21:09 , George Flood
46 mins: A lively start to the second period as well, with Brighton looking to set Mitoma free straightaway.
United hurtle up the other end and Rashford beats Buonanotte before going down after minimal contact from Dunk.
Referee Andre Marriner thinks about it for a split-second but it’s never a penalty. Not great from Rashford that.
21:06 , George Flood
The teams are back out for the second half at the Amex.
No changes from either De Zerbi or Ten Hag just yet.
20:56 , George Flood
No goals yet, but plenty of exciting action and chances at the Amex.
This surely won’t end 0-0!
Half-time
20:52 , George Flood
Brighton 0-0 Manchester United
20:52 , George Flood
50 mins: Brighton secure another late first-half corner after more positive play from Enciso.
But Buonanotte overhits the delivery and Dunk ends up being eased off the ball by Shaw.
Back come the persistent Seagulls again and Buonanotte links up nicely with Welbeck, then seeing a cross blocked behind by Lindelof for another corner.
It’s taken short but has to be redone, with Lindelof then rising to clear and the half-time whistle sounding as Mitoma scampers to keep the attack alive.
A decent spell from Brighton at the end of the first half.
20:49 , George Flood
47 mins: A woeful slice straight out of play from Fred sets Brighton up once more with the interval looming.
Enciso ends up embarrassing Casemiro before unleasing a wild effort that was never troubling De Gea.
The Paraguayan has some real skills in his arsenal, just needs a better finish.
20:47 , George Flood
45 mins: United can’t clear their lines after a free-kick to the back post and a confident Buonanotte tries to pick out the far corner from a very tough angle.
De Gea flies at it but it was always heading wide.
Welbeck not happy with the young Argentine.
Four minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this enthralling first half.
20:46 , George Flood
44 mins: Alert defending from Estupinan to halt Rashford and another dangerous United counter in its tracks.
Now Brighton break and Casemiro cynically wipes out Mac Allister, deservedly earning the first yellow card of the evening.
20:44 , George Flood
42 mins: Rashford is down for United after a late challenge from Caicedo that wasn’t seen by the officials.
The visitors play on and work the ball again well inside the box, but this time Steele isn’t tested as Mac Allister also goes down.
Corner United, with Bruno’s poor low delivery easily repelled by Welbeck at the front post.
20:42 , George Flood
39 mins: Tremendous play from Martial, combining with Fred following Shaw’s clever pass before he ends up lashing a powerful shot straight at Steele from inside the box.
Lovely touch from Welbeck, who then tussles with Fred and Shaw as Enciso also hits the deck right by the dugouts, igniting some drama with an animated De Zerbi.
20:39 , George Flood
37 mins: Brighton are terrific to watch in full flow as Paraguayan teenager Enciso combines excellently with former United stalwart Welbeck, collecting a lovely pass round the corner before arrowing a shot wide of the far post.
20:36 , George Flood
35 mins: Mac Allister has acres of space to pick up the ball and try to curl it into the far corner with De Gea scrambling.
Not far wide from the World Cup winner.
20:35 , George Flood
33 mins: It’s end-to-end stuff at the Amex as Antony scuffs a shot that is collected by Rashford, with Fred ending up on the floor after a challenge from Gilmour but denied a free-kick.
A serious pace to this contest at the moment.
20:34 , George Flood
31 mins: Another penalty appeal from Brighton is dismissed after Buonanotte – making his first start at the Amex – chips a cross into the path of Dalot.
Looked like it came off the Italian’s shoulder. Nothing doing for the referee or VAR.
Brighton end up with a free-kick wide on the right.
They can’t work De Gea despite Gilmour’s best efforts.
20:31 , George Flood
29 mins: A corner routine off the training ground from United, with Fernandes’ low pass dummied by Fred.
Antony doesn’t catch his strike cleanly on the edge of the area, driving it into the ground.
The ball just evades the head of Martial before being parried wide by an uncertain Steele.
The second corner comes to nothing.
20:30 , George Flood
28 mins: Superb feet from Rashford to leave Caicedo trailing in his wake following a terrific United counter involving Fred and Fernandes.
Steele makes a decent save with his leg at the front post.
20:28 , George Flood
26 mins: Casemiro plants a header on the roof of the net after United had worked a short corner very well over on the far side.
The set-piece arose after Dunk had seen off Antony’s cross with Martial lurking in behind.
20:27 , George Flood
25 mins: Shaw – once again partnerning Lindelof at centre-back with Varane and Martinez out and Maguire on the bench – dutifully heads away Mitoma’s cross before Fernandes almost releases Rashford with an enticing ball over the top.
That pass looks on for United all night, it must be said.
20:25 , George Flood
23 mins: That’s a dangerous ball from makeshift right-back Caicedo into the United six-yard box, but no one gambles and Wan-Bissaka blasts clear.
Brighton just cranking up the tempo and pressure now.
20:23 , George Flood
20 mins: Lovely centre-forward play from Martial to hold the ball up inside the box and lay it off to Antony, who whips a low strike into the side netting.
Great game, this. A blistering tempo and plenty of chances.
20:21 , George Flood
19 mins: The ever-dangerous Mitoma is denied a penalty after falling under the challenge of Wan-Bissaka inside the box.
United break at pace and after a heavy initial touch, Rashford cuts into the box and has a fierce strike deflected over by Caicedo at the near post.
VAR check complete – no Brighton spot-kick. They then scramble the corner clear.
20:19 , George Flood
16 mins: Both sides definitely have a mistake in them tonight, which only adds to the sense of jeopardy to go along with some bright attacking football.
Brighton have given it away in midfield numerous times and Wan-Bissaka gets away with a rogue touch, then standing up to Mitoma after Casemiro had a little nibble in the box.
Webster connects with a corner from the left but his header is claimed confidently by De Gea, who takes it off the head of Wan-Bissaka.
20:15 , George Flood
13 mins: Much better from Brighton, with some typically incisive passing releasing Mitoma inside the box once more.
The fleet-footed Japan winger shows sublime close control to steer away from all of Wan-Bissaka, Antony, Fred and Lindelof, eventually jabbing a rushed finish wide of the back post.
Two big chances for Mitoma early on here.
20:13 , George Flood
11 mins: This has been a decent start from United, who are looking dangerous every time they get forward.
Brighton have to take better care of the ball in midfield.
20:12 , George Flood
10 mins: That stoppage had initially looked to have taken the sting out of a frantic start to this game.
However, again Brighton are caught in possession too easily in midfield and United pour forward with pace and menace.
There’s a lovely nutmeg from Rashford on Dunk, with Antony then teeing up Fernandes, whose wild shot flies into row z.
More composure needed there from the Portuguese.
20:09 , George Flood
7 mins: After a lengthy stoppage, De Gea is now back on his feet and will be fine to continue.
20:07 , George Flood
5 mins: Now a massive opportunity for Brighton.
A lazy pass from Lindelof intended for Wan-Bissaka is seized upon by Mitoma, who races into the box and ends up firing straight into the face of De Gea.
He really could have squared that with Enciso unmarked in the middle.
That whack to the face has hurt De Gea, with the game immediately stopped so the Spaniard can receive some treatment.
20:04 , George Flood
3 mins: A huge early chance for United!
There’s acres of space through the middle and Fernandes aims a perfect pass into the run of Antony, who fires narrowly wide of the far post.
That could easily be 1-0 to the visitors already.
A really bright start from Ten Hag’s men, on the front foot from the off.
20:03 , George Flood
1 min: Caicedo has started at right-back tonight, so it’s still a back four from Brighton.
Rashford tries to release Martial with a dangerous ball over the top that is claimed by Seagulls ‘keeper Steele.
Both sides in their familiar home strips tonight, so it’s blue and white against red.
Andre Marriner is the man in the middle.
KICK-OFF
20:00 , George Flood
Underway at the Amex!
Can Brighton gain revenge for their agonising FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley, or will Manchester United take another big step towards Champions League qualification for next season?
Let’s find out…
19:57 , George Flood
Here come the teams at a bouncing Amex!
A real sense of anticipation ahead of this one.
Should be a belter.
De Zerbi coy on Brighton system
19:48 , George Flood
Brighton have all three senior right-back options out tonight in Pascal Gross, Joel Veltman and long-term absentee Tariq Lamptey.
It will be interesting to see how they line up – is it a back three with left-back Pervis Estupinan joining Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster at centre-half?
Or is Moises Caicedo filling in at right-back in a four?
De Zerbi gives preciously little away in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, but does confirm that Gross is missing due to a small muscular issue.
He hopes he will return against Everton on Monday.
Brighton boss De Zerbi shakes off illness
19:43 , George Flood
Confirmation that Roberto De Zerbi is present at the Amex tonight and will be in the Brighton dugout as usual.
The Italian was forced to cancel his pre-match press conference yesterday due to illness, but now looks to have recovered.
Assistant Andrea Maldera took training on Wednesday and would have been in charge had De Zerbi not made it.
Changes from Wembley
19:34 , George Flood
Brighton’s lineup shows three changes from the team that started the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley last month, with Jason Steele still preferred to Robert Sanchez in goal.
Young midfield duo Billy Gilmour and Facundo Buonanotte are also in the XI instead of Pascal Gross and Solly March, who missed that fateful penalty in the shootout.
United’s team is almost identical to that which started at Wembley, save for Fred being chosen ahead of Christian Eriksen in midfield.
Caicedo, Mac Allister and Mitoma all back for Brighton
19:21 , George Flood
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi also makes four alterations to the side that thumped Wolves for six without reply last time out.
As expected, big guns Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma are all restored to the starting XI, while Argentine teenager Facundo Buonanotte also gets the nod.
Out goes the injured Joel Veltman, with Pascal Gross also dropping out of the matchday squad altogether.
Solly March and Deniz Undav are moved to the bench.
Still no Evan Ferguson for the Seagulls, who promote young Australian midfielder Cameron Peupion to a substitute role.
He joins fellow youngsters Andrew Moran, Odel Offiah, Jan Paul van Hecke and Yasin Ayari.
Four Man United changes from Ten Hag
19:13 , George Flood
So Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the Manchester United team that beat in-form Aston Villa at Old Trafford last weekend courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ first-half goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka starts at right-back with Diogo Dalot shifted to the opposite side and Tyrell Malacia dropped to the bench.
Fred is preferred to Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer in midfield, while in attack Antony and Anthony Martial both come in.
Joining Malacia and Sabitzer in dropping to the bench are Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho.
Man United lineup
19:01 , George Flood
Starting XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Martial
Subs: Maguire, Malacia, Eriksen, Sabitzer, Sancho, Weghorst, Pellistri, Butland, Williams
Brighton lineup
19:01 , George Flood
Starting XI: Steele, Caicedo, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan, Gilmour, Mac Allister, Enciso, Buonanotte, Mitoma, Welbeck
Subs: Sanchez, Colwill, March, Undav, Ayari, van Hecke, Peupion, Offiah, Moran
Lineups on the way
18:56 , George Flood
We’re just a few minutes away from official team news at the Amex.
Stay tuned.
Stat attack
18:55 , George Flood
Manchester United have undoubtedly come on leaps and bounds under Erik ten Hag this term, as their likely impending Champions League qualification, Carabao Cup trophy and looming FA Cup final appearance can attest.
But they are still prone to some dreadful results and performances away from home, as we’ve seen at Anfield and in Seville more recently.
In fact, Opta point out that they have taken just one point from seven away games against teams currently in the top nine of the Premier League table in 2022-23.
31 of their 39 league goals conceded this term have also come on the road, but they have kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 top-flight games, including at home to in-form Aston Villa last weekend.
Brighton out to ‘make history’ in fairytale season
18:41 , George Flood
Brighton currently lie eighth in the Premier League and victory tonight would see them leapfrog both Aston Villa and Tottenham into sixth spot, four points behind in-form Liverpool and eight adrift of United in fourth but with a game in hand.
Following that 6-0 drubbing of Wolves, a draw would be enough for the Seagulls to already surpass their club record of 52 points in a top-flight season with six games still to play in 2022-23.
Winners of seven of their last nine at home, a historic end to the season could still lie in store – an incredible achievement when you consider the disruption caused by the exit of Graham Potter and constant transfer speculation unsettling their top players.
“Right now it’s important for the team to finish the season as high up the table as possible and aim for a Champions League or Europa League spot,” Mitoma said.
“If we can reach a higher standard playing this brand of football, I think we will be able to bring the fans even more joy.
“I want to make them happy and, in order to do so, we want to make history.”
Mitoma seeking Brighton revenge in Europe push
18:34 , George Flood
Reflecting on that gutting FA Cup semi-final loss yesterday, star Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who should return to Roberto De Zerbi’s starting XI tonight said: “It was a disappointing result, a frustrating result, but we have already switched our focus to the league.
“It’s very important that we win this game as they are our direct rivals in the league table. This will be a really big game for both teams.
“They are a team who is always fighting for the title, and the quality of each individual is something that sets them apart from other teams.
“But if we can play to our strengths, we will have a chance to win.”
Ten Hag warns Brighton out for FA Cup revenge
18:25 , George Flood
As well as embarrassing a crisis-stricken United 4-0 at home 12 months ago, Brighton are the only away side to have won a top-flight game at Old Trafford this term – Pascal Gross’ first-half double securing a 2-1 victory on the opening weekend of the season to condemn Erik ten Hag to a losing start in the job.
But following what transpired at Wembley last month, is the Dutchman anticipating a potential revenge mission tonight at a ground where United have lost three of their five Premier League visits?
“I think everyone involved in top, top sport, if you get beaten you want to have revenge and that is normal that they have a huge motivation to beat us,” Ten Hag told reporters yesterday.
“But we have to match that and not only match that – we have to do more.
“We have to show we have more hunger than them to win this game and willingness – that is the word for (Thursday).”
Ten Hag urges Man United against complacency
18:07 , George Flood
Manchester United head to the Amex tonight sitting fourth in the Premier League table with a four-point buffer to a resurgent Liverpool team who have now won five matches in a row but played two games more than their fierce rivals.
With six fixtures remaining and his side on course for Champions League qualification plus the potential for two domestic trophies in his impressive first season at the helm, Erik ten Hag has warned against complacency with the Red Devils not at their firing best over recent weeks.
United had not lifted any major silverware since 2016 before beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup showpiece in March and face Manchester City in a blockbuster FA Cup final derby back at Wembley on June 3.
“Satisfaction can lead to laziness, we have six games to go and we want to win every game. You need full focus, full energy and full preparation,” Ten Hag said.
“We have to get ready for the fight to get the points. We want to win every game; we want to win every competition. It’s clear we want to be in the Champions League, and that’s the competition we’re now fighting for.
“Good isn’t good enough; we have to do better.”
De Zerbi expected to be on Brighton touchline after illness
17:50 , George Flood
Brighton’s main fitness concern tonight actually revolves around their manager.
Roberto De Zerbi was forced to cancel his pre-match press conference yesterday due to a bout of illness.
However, reports from earlier this afternoon claimed that the highly-rated Italian would be well enough to be on the touchline tonight.
Brighton vs Man United prediction
17:46 , George Flood
It was tight when these sides met in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley last month, while the Seagulls have won the last two Premier League meetings.
Brighton hammered Wolves last time out, even when rotating some of their key players, and they have lost just once at home since the turn of the year.
United have not been entirely convincing in recent weeks, and could well come unstuck here.
Brighton to win, 2-1.
Brighton team news
17:44 , George Flood
Teenage sensation Evan Ferguson remains doubtful for Brighton, having not played since the 2-1 win at Chelsea on April 15 due to an ankle problem.
Joel Veltman limped out of the thrashing of Wolves last weekend with a muscle issue and won’t be available tonight.
Also currently sidelined for the Seagulls are Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Jeremy Sarmiento and Tariq Lamptey.
Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma were all rested against Wolves, making that 6-0 romp all the more impressive, and should each return to the starting lineup this evening.
Man United team news
17:40 , George Flood
Tonight’s trip to the south coast will come too soon for Alejandro Garnacho, who is stepping up his return from an ankle injury.
Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday that Raphael Varane was closer to a return to action than Scott McTominay, but neither player will feature tonight or against West Ham on Sunday evening.
Tom Heaton is still out, while the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek and Phil Jones are all long-term absentees for United.
How to watch Brighton vs Man United
17:36 , George Flood
TV channel: The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK tonight, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: The Sky Go app will allow subscribers to watch on a live stream online across mobile devices, laptops, games consoles, tablets and more.
Welcome to Brighton vs Man United LIVE coverage!
17:31 , George Flood
Hello and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of Brighton vs Manchester United in the Premier League.
Tonight sees a swift rematch of last month’s FA Cup semi-final, which the Seagulls lost in agonising fashion after a tense goalless draw courtesy of Solly March’s missed shootout penalty.
High-flying Brighton will have revenge on the mind as they look to build on last week’s 6-0 drubbing of Wolves and push forward with their quest for European football next term.
However, confidence is high at United, who can take another giant step towards securing Champions League qualification with a positive result here. However, memories of last season’s drubbing on this ground will be fresh in the mind.
Kick-off at the Amex Stadium is at 8pm BST, so stay tuned for all the latest team news, match build-up and live updates from what should be a Thursday top-flight cracker.
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