Four Manchester United starters are playing for FA Cup final places vs Brighton

How many changes?

Lisandro Martinez could do with a start and so could Marcus Rashford. Alejandro Garnacho is in need of a breather and Casemiro could also sit today out after nine consecutive starts, six of them at centre back.

If Martinez comes through this week unscathed then he is assured of an FA Cup final start. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, both unlikely to start, will not only be competing for second-half minutes at Brighton but to potentially partner Martinez at Wembley.

Cup final defence to take shape?

At the time of writing, the only defender certain to start against Manchester City is the uninjurable Diogo Dalot. Martinez will if he does not break down again and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a safe bet as he will still likely be one of only two full backs available to Erik ten Hag.

The presence of Varane and Lindelof in Thursday's training session is conveniently timed ahead of a showpiece match next weekend. Both started against City last year but they are pitted against each other this year.

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New low?

United were always guaranteed to enter the final day in eighth in the Premier League table but the mood is more jovial after a third win in 12 league games.

Chelsea are beyond United's reach, which is another damning indictment of United's season, and if they fail to better Newcastle's result at Brentford then it will mark their first finish outside the top seven since 1990.

Or a new competition?

Brentford are unbeaten at home since mid-February and Brighton have been so erratic all season they have only scraped 12 league wins. United