90min

The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Brighton

By Callum Altimas

Manchester United were victorious in their FA Cup clash with Norwich at the weekend
Manchester United were victorious in their FA Cup clash with Norwich at the weekend / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
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Manchester United have really found their stride of late as they continue to close in on a Champions League place.

Despite a slow start to the season, the Red Devils have turned it around and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the side firing on all cylinders. They haven't lost a game since the 2-0 home defeat to Burnley in January, and the combination of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in midfield has had fans purring.

Solskjaer has figured out a winning formula - one that will continue to yield results on Wednesday against Brighton if all goes as expected - but for United to be at their scintillating best, here's the side the Norwegian manager needs to select.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Although he hasn't been at his best, De Gea is still Manchester United's best goalkeeper
Although he hasn't been at his best, De Gea is still Manchester United's best goalkeeper / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK) - Despite his high profile struggles this season - including the mistake at Tottenham which had Roy Keane raging - De Gea is still United's best goalkeeper. The Spaniard has been a key player for United over the last several years and will continue to be, regardless of a bit of poor form.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - In his first season at Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka has been one of United's better players and is already paying back the large transfer fee the club spent to land him. His attacking output has also surprised a few, with the former Crystal Palace defender racking up three assists in the league.

Harry Maguire (CB) - Despite what some fans might tell you, Maguire has enjoyed a decent start at Old Trafford. United's defensive record has improved since the England international joined and their captain will start again here.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - Rotation is key following football's restart and with Eric Bailly only recently returning from injury, Lindelof is likely to replace the Ivorian in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game.

Luke Shaw (LB) - Although Brandon Williams has looked excellent this season, Shaw remains United's first choice left back and for good reason. He remains a robust presence down the left and provides decent support to Marcus Rashford in attack.

2. Midfielders

Pogba and Fernandes' impressive partnership has been a huge talking point for United over the last several games
Pogba and Fernandes' impressive partnership has been a huge talking point for United over the last several games / Pool/Getty Images

Nemanja Matic (CM) - Despite what many will say, Matic isn't done yet. The midfielder has slowly turned his United career around and begun to show signs of the Chelsea player that was instrumental in the Blues' Premier League success a number of years ago. He's been a more busy presence in central midfield since the turn of the year and looks for more progressive passes, which can only help a side already bursting with creativity on paper.

Paul Pogba (CM) - There aren't many players out there who have been criticised to the degree Pogba has and while the Frenchman has been prone to lacklustre performances in the past, he's still one of United's better players. In the early stages of Bruno Fernandes' time at Old Trafford, the pair have shown signs of a seriously dangerous midfield partnership and it is one they should continue to build on against Brighton.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - Not many could have predicted just how big an impact Fernandes would have at United following his arrival in January. The Portugal international has quickly become the side's chief creator in attack and his growing partnership with Pogba is one that has fans extremely excited for the future.

3. Forwards

Anthony Martial is enjoying his best goalscoring season ever
Anthony Martial is enjoying his best goalscoring season ever / Michael Steele/Getty Images

Mason Greenwood (RW) - Greenwood has burst onto the scene for United this year and has shown signs of an extremely promising future. The 18-year-old has scored an impressive 12 goals in all competitions this year and should get the nod ahead of Daniel James against Brighton.

Anthony Martial (ST) - Martial has become United's chief centre forward this season and it's a role he's thrived in. The 24-year-old is enjoying the best goalscoring season of his career and scored a hat-trick in United's last Premier League game against Sheffield United.

Marcus Rashford (LW) - Although he hasn't scored a goal since the season's resumption, Rashford still continues to look dangerous and is always a threat for United out wide. The Englishman has created a number of chances for the Red Devils - setting up Martial twice in that Sheffield United win - and it's only a matter of time before he nets the back of the net himself.