Jose Mourinho could field Anthony Martial upfront to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku as Manchester United take on Brighton on Friday.
Manchester United can secure a second-placed finish in the Premier League for the 2017-18 campaign with a win over Brighton on Friday. Jose Mourinho does have to contend with a few injury issues, but the Portuguese might use a trump card in the form of Anthony Martial on Friday night.
The goalkeeping spot is all David De Gea’s as the Spaniard chases another clean sheet in the Premier League. In front of him should be the usual suspects – Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young on the flanks, with a central pairing of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, especially with Phil Jones injured and Eric Bailly left out of the matchday squad.
Mourinho did explain his decision to keep Bailly away from the matchday squad in his pre-match conference, something that had brought forth of reports that the defender is feeling frozen out at Manchester United.
“Bailly is fine, no injury. He is one of our five central defenders and honestly he’s the only central defender whose country’s not in the World Cup. Because, of course, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, all of them are wishing to make the squad for the World Cup and Eric is not under that pressure.”
“So, when I look to the other four central defenders fighting for a position in the World Cup, I’m giving less [time] to Eric.”
The midfield should remain the same, with Jose Mourinho likely to stick to his 4-3-3. Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic’s presence in midfield has reinvigorated Paul Pogba and the manager would be looking for more of the same against Brighton on Friday.
Alexis Sanchez should retain his spot on the left side of attack, with Juan Mata likely to start on the right. With Romelu Lukaku sustaining an ankle injury against Arsenal, Marcus Rashford is tipped by many to start upfront. But, there are murmurs that Anthony Martial could be used by Mourinho to lead the United attack.
The Frenchman has been playing very little of late and the plan to use him in a central role could see him gain more playing time, although it might question the decision to keep Marcus Rashford – a more natural option – on the bench, should it happen.
