Brighton Take On Man Utd: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

Manchester United conclude their 2025–26 season with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, as the Seagulls battle to secure a spot in European competition.

The Red Devils, energised by Michael Carrick's appointment in January, have comfortably secured third place and will return to elite European football next season. Carrick's impressive performances in the dugout persuaded INEOS to hand him a two-year deal, with the news of the Englishman's contract extension confirmed on Friday.

Most of the United squad can enjoy a relaxed final day, but Bruno Fernandes remains driven as he hunts the Premier League's all-time single-season assist record. He requires just one more to eclipse the benchmark of 20 set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Sweltering conditions are forecast across the U.K. this Bank Holiday weekend, and Fabian Hürzeler will be under considerable pressure should Brighton fail to secure European football for next season.

The Seagulls found their form in the spring to thrust themselves into contention, and they cannot afford to stumble at the final hurdle. A 1–0 loss to Leeds United on the penultimate matchday means another defeat here could see Brighton drop as low as ninth and miss out on Europe entirely.

The hosts currently sit seventh and are in line for a Europa League place. Three points could even be enough to leapfrog Man Utd into the Champions League spots.

Brighton vs. Man Utd Score Prediction

Seagulls Secure Europa League Spot

Manchester United are among just three sides whose final-day position in the Premier League table is already determined. Brighton, on the other hand, have everything still to play for.

The Seagulls could finish anywhere from sixth to ninth, the difference between another European campaign or a mid-table conclusion with no Thursday night football to look forward to. "I hope we all can give us a last push and we all can really stick together one more time," Fabian Hürzeler urged Brighton's supporters.

"We all can create an atmosphere, a very energetic and powerful atmosphere where it's difficult to play in and then we hopefully can celebrate together afterwards."

Prediction: Brighton 2–1 Man Utd

Brighton Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

The only injury update for Brighton ahead of the season's final weekend is an encouraging one: Hürzeler revealed that Mats Wieffer "is an option to come back" after missing the last two matches with an ankle problem.

The campaign has long been over for Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas, while Kaoru Mitoma's World Cup aspirations were dashed by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month.

Danny Welbeck will also be absent from the World Cup squad, though that is Thomas Tuchel's call rather than a fitness concern. The former Manchester United forward rarely needs extra motivation when facing his former club, but has obvious additional incentive here.

Brighton predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Groß; Gómez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Welbeck.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton

Carrick indicated there were no new injury concerns following last week's win against Nottingham Forest.

Man Utd have been missing Benjamin Šeśko for the past two matches due to a shin problem, and it remains unclear whether the Slovenian striker will be available to round off what has been an encouraging debut season in Manchester.

Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since November with a lower back complaint and is expected to miss the World Cup as a consequence. He will be targeting full fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Carrick confirmed that Casemiro has made his last appearance for the club, with the Brazilian not making the trip to the south coast. Mason Mount is the most likely option to line up alongside World Cup-bound Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of midfield.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Mount, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

What Time Does Brighton vs. Man Utd Kick Off?

How to Watch Brighton vs. Man Utd on TV, Live Stream