Brighton v Manchester United: The United view with Old Trafford Faithful
We like talking to Manchester United fan site Old Trafford Faithful because they are so complimentary about Brighton & Hove Albion.
It helps of course that, up until United’s last visit at the end of June, Brighton and the Amex had surprisingly become the Red Devils’ bogey team and ground.
A routine 3-0 victory that evening ended the curse, but Jordan was still banging the Albion drum when we spoke to him ahead of the latest meeting to take place in Sussex.
He also explained why winning a trophy is more important than a top four finish for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer this season, that attack is the best form of defence against United and how his side managed to lose at home against that lot from up the A23 last weekend.
Without further ado, here is our pre-game Brighton versus Manchester United chat with Old Trafford Faithful.
An obvious place to start is Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer? What have you made of it and is there any hope that Jadon Sancho may yet arrive?
I am still holding out a glimmer of hope that Sancho will be signed. United did exactly the same thing last summer when they bought Harry Maguire and in the end, they paid the asking price. I’m expecting something similar to unfold here. The activity – or in this case, lack of it – has otherwise been incredibly disappointing.
What would constitute a successful 2020-21 season for United?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a trophy. My unpopular opinion is that an FA Cup win would be better than a top four finish for United at this point in time. I’d sure love both, though I don’t think we will be challenging for the Premier League title without a few signings being made first.
You did not enjoy the best start to the season last weekend against Crystal Palace of all people. Was that a one-off or a worrying sign for the campaign ahead?
I’d like to think it was a one off. It was our first game of the season; Palace meanwhile had played a handful of friendlies plus they already had a league game under their belts. I’m putting it down to a combination of both United being rusty and some dubious VAR calls. We will be better this weekend, I’m sure.
Both of last season’s matches between Brighton and United ended in victories for United, 3-1 at Old Trafford and 3-0 at the Amex. What did you make of those two games?
Manchester United’s win at the Amex in particular was good, but normally you give us a very tough game.
You know what you are going to get against Brighton. A tough, combative game that will be won and lost in the small moments. If United can keep it tight and eliminate the mistakes, you have to fancy us to win this time around. However, don’t give Brighton an inch as they’ll take a mile and under Potter, they can beat anyone on their day.
What are the weaknesses of this United team? Anything Graham Potter should try and exploit?
Without wanting to help Brighton too much, attack us. Defensively, we’re awful at times. It depends what back four turns up. If Maguire plays well, the whole team bounces off him. If he starts slowly, the defence will be a nervous wreck for 90 minutes.
Who are your early season picks for the title, top four and relegation?
I hate to say it, but I see City coming out on top with Liverpool in second. Chelsea have started pretty averagely but they have some excellent players. Expect them and United to round off the top four.
At the other end, it already looks like Fulham just aren’t good enough to compete. West Bromwich Albion don’t look great, either. Both will go down. I’ll go for Sheffield United as my surprise team to be relegated. They miss Dean Henderson!
Finally, what is the Old Trafford Faithful prediction for Brighton v Manchester United please?
You have had our number at the Amex in the past, but I have go for a United win. 2-1 to the Reds with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford getting on the score sheet.
Thanks to Jordan from Old Trafford Faithful for answering our questions ahead of United’s visit to the Amex. You can follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter.
