Manchester United's predicted starting XI against Brighton

Manchester United got their season underway with a patchy 2-1 home win over Leicester City last Friday in what was another unconvincing display. After failing to capture any of their deadline day transfer targets, it remained to be seen how the team would shape up in their opener.

Prior to kick off, Mourinho already lacked six first team players due to injury. United travel to the Falmer Stadium to tackle Brighton & Hove Albion in their second match of the campaign. Despite beating Leicester, it was the 2016 champions that showed more purpose and potency when going forward.

United failed to stamp their authority at home to add fuel to the fire regarding the prediction Mourinho made about United's season. He clearly was not happy with the transfer business done and said that United would have a 'difficult' season.

Last season, Brighton gave United a run for their money in both league games as the Red Devils struggled to break them down. In their first match, United relied on a Lewis Dunk own goal to win 1-0 at Old Trafford. The then promoted side put United to the sword in the reverse fixture by clinching a 1-0 win.

Mourinho has to recharge his squad and change a few tactics if they are to avoid being overrun against inferior opposition. United were dominated especially in the midfield area where there was a lot of space for Leicester to operate from. This calls for a slight change to Mourinho's approach especially when they play in that hostile environment.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

Manchester United v Leicester City - Premier League — De Gea showed no signs of slowing down with his 'routine' super saves

There is no doubt over who will start this match. The Spaniard was back to his best by pulling off three very good saves to keep United in the lead against Leicester. He proved once again why he was touted as the best goalkeeper in the world last season. It looks like it will continue being that kind of season for De Gea.

He made a few errors of judgement especially in his ball distribution and probably should have done more in preventing Leicester's late goal in stoppage time. All in all, he is United's saviour in time of need and will be called upon to do so barring any injury.

Defenders

Eric Bailly

The Ivory Coast international was a brick wall against Leicester City last Friday and will keep his place. He was one of the positives from that enthralling encounter that United underperformed in. He crucially kept out Kelechi Iheanacho with a goal-saving intervention and for most parts contained any serious threat. He will be crucial in dealing with aerial balls and neutralising Brighton's centre-forward.

Victor Lindelof

Mourinho has had a problem trying to get a formidable partner for Bailly. At the moment he has to try out several defensive options and find the best. Having played at the highest level during the World Cup, Lindelof was given the nod ahead of Smalling. He put in a decent shift against Leicester. He is also quick and can cover ground on loose balls. He will get another bite at the cherry if all factors are considered.

Fullbacks

Luke Shaw

He was undoubtedly United's best defender on the opening night. He was quick on the left flank and got forward to provide an alternative attacking option for the team. After facing a lot of criticism last season, Shaw has coupled a fine pre-season with a solid start to his campaign. He crucially scored United's second goal to cap off a superb performance. Even Mourinho unusually hailed Shaw and should select him against Brighton.

Matteo Darmian

The Italian has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and it could still happen. At the moment, he remains the first pick at right-back given the injuries to Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot who are ahead of him in the pecking order. His defensive capabilities were highly crucial against Leicester as he made timely interceptions. Given Brighton's physical style of play, he should be favoured over Ashley Young.

Midfielders

Paul Pogba

The French superstar was rewarded when Mourinho handed him the captain's armband against Leicester. He responded by scoring and putting on a dominant performance. Despite questions about his future, he is a proper midfielder who will again be the main man on Sunday. His passing ability and vision can unlock most defences.

Fred

The dynamic Brazilian had a decent start on his competitive debut for United. However, he was caught up trying to do too much at times in a bid to impress the home supporters. We got a glimpse of what he could do. Fred spotted the forward runs by the attackers and delivered perfect long range passes. He also has that aggressive style of play to his game which consequently earned him a booking. No doubt Mourinho was pleased with what he saw from him.

Andreas Pereira

He is a player eager to prove his worth to United. An injury to Ander Herrera opened the door for him. He played a bit deeper than he would have wanted but that really didn't matter to the Brazilian. Pereira rarely gave the ball away and showed great maturity in his play. He is comfortable on the ball and can accurately distribute it. The only adjustment is for United to be more compact in their midfield positioning

Forwards

Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean had a subdued match but showed great work ethic in running to both ends of the field. He was not allowed the room to properly influence the game and much credit should be given to Leicester City's defenders. On the flip side, Sanchez provided a sumptuous assist to Romelu Lukaku in the second half that he failed to convert with only the keeper to beat. Sanchez should start this match on the left wing due to his good forward movement and attacking play.

Marcus Rashford

The new United number 10 probably had a game to forget but he is a tremendous talent. At the moment, United do not have a lot of attacking options and he should start this match on the right wing. Anthony Martial seems to have fallen out of favour with the manager which should work in Rashford's advantage. As a right winger, he can use his pace and trickery to get past players and create goal scoring opportunities for his team. Even if he is not on the score sheet, Rashford still has an important role to play.

Romelu Lukaku

The Burly Belgian is set to have his first start of the season after replacing Marcus Rashford in the second half against Leicester. The Red Devils lacked a commanding presence up front and that is what he can offer. Despite missing a golden opportunity when he was one on one with Kasper Schmeichel, Lukaku is United's main man who has lots of goals in him. He will be deployed as the sole striker to destabilise the Brighton central defenders.

Edited by Arvind Sriram