Three ways Manchester United could line up in attack vs Brighton as selection issues mount

Manchester United could field a new-look attack against Brighton when the club returns to action after the international break.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will have a number of decisions to make when his players return to Carrington this week.

United have suffered two defeats in their opening four matches and tough encounters will continue against the Red Devils. The home clash with Brighton takes place when the Premier League resumes and will be followed by a trip to Bayern Munich in midweek as the Champions League group stage gets underway and Ten Hag considers adjusting their tactics after kick-off. Head is unstable.

However, Jadon Sancho’s future at the club appears uncertain following a public disagreement between player and manager over why he was sent off against Arsenal. United also confirmed Antony will not return to training “until further notice” following abuse allegations, while talented Ivory Coast winger Amad is also absent due to injury.

We took a look at how United might choose to attack against Roberto De Zerbi’s side amid a lack of options…

Pellistri given chance

The lack of options on the right-wing could give Facundo Pellistri a real chance of winning a regular place in the starting line-up. The Uruguay international has made two appearances this season after making a total of 10 appearances last season.

United are said to be willing to loan Pellistri, 21, in the summer so he can gain first-team experience. However, as a natural right-winger, his inclusion in United’s squad would allow Ten Hag to keep Marcus Rashford in his best position on the left and give Rasmus Hojlund the opportunity to prove himself as United’s number nine.

Mount experiment

If Ten Hag decides Pellistri is not ready for a regular starting spot on the flank, he has other options. The United boss used Bruno Fernandes out wide at points last season but perhaps has signed a new player that is better suited to the role.

Mason Mount has played 46 games as a wide midfielder throughout his career, according to Transfermarkt, and may help bring the stability that United’s midfield has craved, when he returns to fitness. He reportedly has an outside chance of being available for Brighton’s visit. The former Chelsea man has struggled next to Casemiro but could be more attack-minded out on the right, while helping the Reds press from the front, alongside Rashford and Hojlund.

Garnacho back in from the start

While Hojlund showed positive signs on his United debut as a substitute, Ten Hag could choose to ease him into becoming the club’s main striker. Anthony Martial may be fit but the manager has shown that he is not averse to deploying Rashford as a centre-forward.

This would create a gap on the left to be filled by Alejandro Garnacho. Meanwhile, Pellistri remains United’s only recognised right-sided forward.

Rashford, though, has struggled as a central striker throughout his career while Garnacho has shown himself to be more effective as a starter than a substitute so far in his fledgling career.