Manchester United without five players for Brighton amid transfer 'confusion'

Manchester United will be without Victor Lindelof for Saturday's trip to Brighton and no players are set to return for the game at the Amex Stadium.

Lindelof has been linked with a move away during the transfer window but Erik ten Hag has insisted he has a toe injury and is being left out ahead of a transfer. United will also be without Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund for the clash with the Seagulls, who beat Brighton 3-0 on the opening day and looked impressive in doing so.

Asked about Lindelof and the confusion around his transfer status, Ten Hag said: "No confusion, he has an issue on his toe, hopefully he can return quickly but not available for the weekend. Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, they’re not available. Luke Shaw, of course."

ALSO READ: United are starting to copy Man City trick to beat FFP concerns

ALSO READ: United include 16-year-old in first-team training after wonder goals

Joshua Zirkzee is pushing for a first start after scoring off the bench on his debut against Fulham and Ten Hag believes that will give him confidence, having seen Rasmus Hojlund have a goal disallowed on his debut last season and then have to wait until Boxing Day to get off the mark in the Premier League.

"Very pleasing that a player who is a striker scores his first goal in his first game, that will give him confidence, very pleased that it’s happened," said Ten Hag.

"The comparison with last year and Rasmus Hojlund and when he scored against Brighton and the VAR looked and five minutes later came to conclusion ball crossed the line in the assist and he had to wait three months for first Premier League goal. It gives him confidence and gives us confidence as a team."