Erik ten Hag could unleash two new Manchester United partnerships vs Brighton

Following a somewhat turbulent international break, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag must be longing for 3pm tomorrow afternoon.

After a statement-dominated pause, United will resume their campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, marking the beginning of a first three-game week of the season. United are in desperate need of a good result after all the negativity and controversy that dominated the hiatus.

Up against a Brighton side who have won three of their opening four Premier League fixtures this term, however, United know they will be in for a stern test. The Seagulls are one of the most admired teams in the country and are the highest scorers in the Premier League so far this season, scoring 12 goals across their first four outings.

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Equipped with attack-minded full-backs and wingers, Brighton like to make things happen via the wide areas, most often through the likes of Pervis Estupinan, Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma. Ansu Fati, fresh from arriving from Barcelona, will also be looking to join the party.

With Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi lucky enough to pick from an embarrassment of riches, United know they will be in for a tough test. Though the south coast outfit are not in the same bracket as the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, they are, in the eyes of many, currently the best of the rest.

At the same time, however, United are in desperate need of points after a sluggish start to the campaign. Their next four league games, certainly on paper, appear favourable, though the clash with Brighton is the toughest, and they need to take full