Manchester United vs Brighton: Arsenal legend predicts nightmare for Erik ten Hag

Pundit Paul Merson has predicted that Manchester United will struggle against  Brighton ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash between at Old Trafford.

Brighton are the last team to win at Old Trafford, since 12 months ago in what was Ten Hag’s first competitive match in charge of United.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes United will find it hard to play against the Seagulls who have made a flying start to the new campaign, and then coupled with off-field controversies for the United team.

“This game could turn out to be a bit of a nightmare for Manchester United as Brighton are a hard team to play against,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“Erik ten Hag has a few issues to address and it’ll be interesting to see who starts up front at Old Trafford this weekend after Antony’s recent suspension.

“There have been reports that Facundo Pellistri is in line for a start, but I think Marcus Rashford will be joined by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund up front.

“I like Garnacho and he’s likely to start, but he’s better off coming on as a substitute as I feel he’s more effective while running at tired legs.

“Speculation surrounding Jadon Sancho’s future has dominated the headlines in recent weeks after a public back-and-forth involving Ten Hag.

“There have been reports that his Old Trafford career is as good as over, but I don’t think that’ll be the case.

“A lot can change between now and the January transfer window and with Manchester United desperately short of options in attack, Sancho could claw his way back into the manager’s plans if he sticks to his guns and works diligently.”