‘In need of breather’ – 3 ways Man United should line up vs Brighton

Manchester United take on Brighton at the Amex Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season.

United returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford in midweek thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad and Rasmus Hojlund.

That win represented a huge boost to hopes of qualifying for the Europa Conference League, although United will qualify for the Europa League if they lift the FA Cup this month.

Nonetheless, the aim is to secure three points against Brighton at the Amex and to better Newcastle’s result (who have a significantly better goal difference) at Brentford.

ALSO READ: Amad opens up on Mainoo relationship after United goals

ALSO READ: United have new roles for three FA Cup final starters after Newcastle win

Regarding the team news, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have returned to training and could make the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.

Here’s how our writers think United should line up…

Samuel Luckhurst

United have to get the balance of rest and rotation right ahead of next week’s FA Cup final. Alejandro Garnacho has been overplayed all season and is in need of a breather. With Marcus Rashford in need of a start, there has to be a straight swap on the left.

Amad and Sofyan Amrabat have to continue to maintain their momentum, Lisandro Martinez needs a start and it is worth protecting Casemiro, despite uncertainty over his role for the FA Cup final. Jonny Evans could start at Wembley but the preference has to be for Raphael Varane to get up to speed with a second-half appearance.

Although United have the Europa Conference League to play for, another academy debutant would raise morale. Harry Amass has had an outstanding debut season.

Steven Railston

Varane and Martinez provided an outstanding defensive foundation last season and they should have ‘one last dance’ at the Amex Stadium. Hopefully Varane ‘takes it personally’ (insert Michael Jordan reference) a new contract wasn’t agreed and delivers a great display.

The Frenchman will leave United upon the expiry of his contract but is still the best defender at the club and will be needed in the FA Cup final alongside the brilliant Martinez. After the Newcastle win, Armabat deserves to retain his starting role and the same can be said about Amad.

Rashford could start the FA Cup final on the bench and if he doesn’t start against Brighton, he must make an impact as a substitute to stake a claim to feature at Wembley.

Dominic Booth

It’s worth keeping Evans at the back, given he’s done little wrong when called upon, while Dalot and Wan-Bissaka must stay on their preferred sides, as that’s the way United will surely line up in the cup final.

Amrabat is proving a decent foil for Mainoo in the middle of the park, and again that should be used at Brighton to trial it for Wembley, while it’s worth reinstating Rashford to rebuild his form and fitness too.

Starting Hojlund is a no-brainer after he impressed on the bench against Newcastle, as is keeping the in-form Amad on the right. Both have points to prove.