Manchester United will switch their focus back to the Premier League on Tuesday when they make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are in a positive run of form, and booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final after beating Norwich City on Saturday.
Brighton have also enjoyed some good results after the restart. Graham Potter’s side defeated Arsenal and then went on to clinch a point from their goalless draw against Leicester City.
Ahead of the clash, here is a look at three key battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
Brighton vs Manchester United – 3 key battles
#3 Neal Maupay vs. Harry Maguire
Clinical and active in the final third, Neal Maupay robbed Arsenal last week by scoring late in the game, and will be out to do more of the same against Manchester United.
He has 9 goals in 30 league games so far, and it will be intriguing to see how he fares against Harry Maguire, whose goal in the extra-time sent his side to the semi-final of the FA Cup against Norwich City on Saturday.
The central defender will be full of confidence and he has to lead by example at the back once again. Solskjaer’s side have been guilty of conceding goals cheaply, and a lot will hinge on how Maguire marshals the backline.
#2 Lewis Dunk vs. Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial was flamboyant against Sheffield United in the league fixture last week as he scored a hat-trick and also dazzled after coming on against the Canaries in the FA Cup clash. He is expected to lead the line for the Red Devils, and is a man in form.
The onus will be on Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk to restrict Martial’s clever movement, and he will have to constantly monitor the Frenchman from close quarters. Dunk reads the game well and is a composed and commanding figure at the back.
After 29 league outings, he averages 1.1 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game. He is a proven defender but is likely to be tested by Martial’s movement and pace.
#1 Martin Montoya vs. Marcus Rashford
Brighton right-back Martin Montoya is one of the most industrious players in the team. He is capable of manoeuvring stupendous crosses in the attacking third, and is also an able defender.
His opponent, Marcus Rashford, has been far from prolific on the left-wing, having failed to find the back of the net after his return from a back injury. He has looked a bit out of pace but is slowly finding his rhythm.
Rashford has the pace and trickery up his sleeve, and his link-up play with Martial and Bruno Fernandes has been impressive despite his lack of goals.
Montoya needs to cut-off service to Rashford in the final third, else he could spell trouble for the Brighton defence.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
