Varane, McTominay, Garnacho - Manchester United injury latest ahead of Brighton fixture

Manchester United will be looking to take another giant stride towards securing a top-four finish when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday evening.

United, who were beaten 2-1 by the Seagulls in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season back in August, will be hoping to build on Sunday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa and stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches. The win over Villa kept the Reds hot on the heels of Newcastle United, who they could leapfrog in the table with a win over Roberto De Zerbi's side.

United are currently fourth in the standings on 63 points, meaning moving to within four points of 70 would all but seal Champions League qualification for next season, as the number of games for those beneath them in the table continue to run out.

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United, however, can ill-afford to take their foot off the pedal, especially against a Brighton side that still has European ambitions of its own. Ahead of the trip to the south coast, MEN Sport has taken a close look at the latest injury news concerning Erik ten Hag's squad:

Raphael Varane

The centre-back was forced off at half-time during United's 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford last month. It was later confirmed that he had suffered a foot injury and would be sidelined for a few weeks.

He is making progress in his bid to return before the end of the season and Ten Hag, despite confirming that the upcoming trips to Brighton and West Ham United will come too soon for him, is optimistic that goal will be achievable.

Speaking at Wednesday lunchtime's press conference, the United manager said: "Prognosis: Rapha is closer than Scott