MU suffered a loss against Brighton: Maguire and Mount are not sure to play
Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that Harry Maguire and Mason Mount have minor injuries and need to wait for a final assessment before round 9 of the Premier League. Brighton beat MU both times last season and the last three times at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the Premier League match against Brighton in round 9, Manchester United are at risk of losing two players who started in the 2-1 win at Liverpool: Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Manager Ruben Amorim said both players had minor injuries during the week and would be assessed closer to the match, with Lisandro Martinez still absent.
Ruben Amorim's statement and MU's personnel problem
“The squad is quite good. We have some doubts, because Maguire and Mason Mount had a slight injury in training last week. It’s not too serious, but we need to consider it before the match. Apart from Lisandro Martinez, the rest of the players are ready,” coach Ruben Amorim emphasized, while assessing that this will be a difficult match against a Brighton team “really worth watching”.
Maguire scored the decisive goal at Anfield last weekend, while Mason Mount started from the start. If either of them fails to recover in time, Amorim will be forced to recalculate the personnel structure that helped MU win 3 important points against Liverpool.
Brighton: Build-up, transition and dead ball
The Portuguese coach highly appreciated his opponents: “They are very good at building up the game, strong in transition. Brighton also played well in set pieces this season. This is a really strong and complete team.”
Amorim expressed his admiration for coach Fabian Hürzeler: “The Brighton players believe in what they are doing, even under pressure. Therefore, I admire coach Fabian Hurzeler very much.”
Recent developments and psychological launching pads
A 2-1 win at Anfield gave United a morale boost, but recent head-to-head history favours Brighton. In the 2024/25 season, Brighton won both legs against United in the Premier League. Notably, in their last three away games at Old Trafford, they all left the field with all three points.
Tactical Perspective: Test of Control and Transition
Based on what Amorim emphasized, the game will likely revolve around two areas: escaping pressing – maintaining structure when Brighton build up the ball, and organizing distance – reacting when Brighton transitions. With the away team being effective with set pieces this season, the absence of key players in defense (if Maguire does not return in time) makes counter-deadlock situations a priority for MU to control risks.
In midfield, the ability to manage personnel if Mason Mount is not ready is also a notable variable for how MU enters the game, especially after Mount just started in the victory against Liverpool.
Important statistics
- MU's latest score: 2-1 win at Liverpool.
- Brighton beat MU in both matches of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
- Brighton have won their last three away games at Old Trafford.
Force situation
| Player | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Maguire | Open | Had a minor injury this week; just scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Liverpool |
| Mason Mount | Open | Minor injury; starts at Anfield |
| Lisandro Martinez | Absent | Injury |
Impact on the race and expectations
After a “fantastic” weekend as described by Amorim, United enter a test of mettle against an opponent with a clear system and the advantage in recent head-to-head matches. With two key players awaiting fitness assessment, United’s preparation will revolve around flexible personnel scenarios, limiting risks on set pieces and maintaining discipline when facing Brighton’s quick transitions.
Amorim concluded: “We had a great weekend, but the focus now is on the Brighton clash.”
