Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Alejandro Garnacho starts as Manchester United fans name line-up for Brighton

Alejandro Garnacho could make his full debut for Manchester United when they take on Brighton this Saturday evening at the Amex Stadium (5.30pm). United are once again without several players for the fixture - including England duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.

Sancho and Rashford are unavailable due to illness, while Luke Shaw (leg), Eric Bailly (back) and Paul Pogba (calf) remain the biggest concerns when it comes to injuries. However, there is some encouraging news there as Aaron Wan-Bissaka (knock) and £80million captain Harry Maguire return to contention.

After making his debut with a two-minute cameo against Chelsea, there have been growing calls for Garnacho to be handed a real opportunity at the end of this season. But will that chance come at the Amex Stadium against an in-form Brighton side who are pushing for a top-half finish?

READ MORE: Michael Owen disagrees with pundits over Brighton vs Manchester United prediction

Goalkeeper - David de Gea

David de Gea has played all 36 games in the Premier League so far this campaign. Given that he has been the best and most consistent performer, that will not change here.

Defenders - Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles

Injuries continue to hamper United and their backline has suffered massively. However, there could be some welcome news on that front as Wan-Bissaka and Maguire prepare to return to contention. But neither player has been picked here as supporters call for continuity after the Brentford win.

Midfielders - Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay

Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata were given fond Old Trafford farewells on Monday night. You might expect them to start at the Amex Stadium, too, but Rangnick has been urged to recall Fred by the supporters and Scott McTominay is given another chance to turn his form around before the season ends.

Forwards - Anthony Elanga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alejandro Garnacho

Cristiano Ronaldo will start after single-handedly carrying the fight in attacking quarters with 24 goals this season - with 18 of them coming in the Premier League alone. Injuries and illness mean he is running out of partners, so that could result in academy graduates Anthony Elanga and Garnacho flanking him on Saturday afternoon.

IN: Fred, Alejandro Garnacho.

OUT: Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.