Chris Sutton disagrees with pundits over Manchester United vs Brighton score prediction

Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm) for their Premier League curtain raiser - and that marks a special occasion for Erik ten Hag in the dugout.

After finishing sixth last season as well as seeing their trophy hoodoo extended to a fifth campaign, United made their move to appoint Ten Hag and there have been encouraging signs for the Dutchman this summer. But will that continue when the real action begins?

Here is what three high-profile pundits think will happen when United get down to business.

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Chris Sutton - BBC Sport

Writing in his first BBC Sport predictions column, Sutton said: "I just don't know what to expect from Manchester United. The whole Cristiano Ronaldo situation - and whether he will stay or go - is really disruptive and new United manager Erik ten Hag could really do without it.

"Playing United at Old Trafford on the opening day used to be a daunting prospect, but not so any more. Brighton stuffed them 4-0 at the Amex Stadium, so they won't be afraid of them. I love watching the Seagulls under Graham Potter and I think they will get something here."

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Brighton

Paul Merson - Sportskeeda

Sharing his predictions for the opener, Merson told Sportskeeda: "Manchester United have decisions to make here. People are telling me that they're going to do well now that Anthony Martial is back. However, Martial is not going to win you anything. He was out on loan when United were struggling and that tells you everything.

"Martial has his days where he does well, but that's about it. He could get a hat-trick on Sunday and then not score for another month and not one of us would be surprised. [With]