The opposition view with Old Trafford Faithful
When Brighton met Manchester United in front of the Old Trafford faithful back in November, the Albion were above their hosts in the Premier League table.
That seems utterly ridiculous now. Since United’s 3-1 win that day, the Red Devils have lost only four times in the Premier League and are currently in the midst of a 14 game unbeaten run.
Brighton meanwhile have offered Graham Potter a new six-year contract and subsequently won only three games. The contrast in form has been chalk and cheese.
What’s sparked such a turnaround at United, to the point where they could end the season in the top four and with two trophies in the bag? And does it mean that Brighton’s recent hold on this fixture at the Amex Stadium is set to come to an end?
Jordan Street from United blog Old Trafford Faithful takes us through goings on at the Theatre of Dreams.
We can’t really start anywhere but Liverpool’s title win. How has that gone down in the red half of Manchester?
Do we have to?! Jokes aside, it has gone down exactly how we thought it would… It’s pretty sad watching them lot win the title for the first time in my lifetime, but it’s hard to say they didn’t deserve it as they were by far the best team. For us United fans, it provides great motivation. I just hope those players feel the same way.
Lockdown looks like it might have really benefited Brighton as we have looked like a new team following the three month break. How have United been impacted and do you think it is right that we are even playing football at all?
I agree, Brighton have looked superb since the break and it looks like Graham Potter has benefited from the extra time to get his ideas across.
In terms of United, they were playing some brilliant stuff pre-lockdown. After stuttering against Spurs, beating Sheffield United pretty handily and struggling against Norwich City, it has been a real mixed bag. I’d expect to see a better performance at the Amex, though.
Personally, I echo what Sir Matt Busby said. Football is nothing without fans. The stadium’s have an eerie feeling about them and it’s just not the same. It’s easy for me to say now but I would have voided the season and started the next campaign whenever it was safe to do so…
What will constitute a successful season for Manchester United from this point onwards?
Trophies. Sure, a spot in next season’s Champions League would be great, though I’m all about winning trophies. United have a great shot in both the FA Cup and Europa League. A double would be lovely…
You were backing Ole to stay at the wheel last time we spoke and things have definitely improved since Brighton went to Old Trafford above United in the Premier League table back in November. What do you think of the job he has done this season?
The players love him. He’s made five signings, all of which have made a positive impact, while clearing out some dead-wood. My view hasn’t changed. I love him and he’s the best manager we’ve had since Sir Alex Ferguson.
Right now, we’re playing some great stuff and making a real charge on three different fronts. We have to be happy with the work Solskjaer is doing!
It was a fairly comfortable win for United that day. What did you make of the 3-1 victory for your team?
Without meaning any disrespect, United’s victory over Brighton in front of the Old Trafford faithful was fairly routine and a couple of early goals always help. United are great front runners, but struggle when they go behind. That first goal is massively important for the game tomorrow night.
Who have been the standout players for United this season?
Bruno Fernandes has been an absolute revelation. He hasn’t been here long but my, what a player. If we’re looking at consistent performers over the course of a long season, I can’t look past Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
For me, he’s our Player of the Season so far. I have big love for Marcus Rashford, too, though the back injury he suffered seems to have set him back a little bit.
Some Brighton fans are getting their hopes up that Jesse Lingard might be available in the summer. He’s a popular player down here for his loan spell in the 2013-14 season and scoring against Palace in your FA Cup Final win. What are the chances of him moving on from Old Trafford?
Well, he made Mino Raiola his agent for a reason and I definitely believe he’ll be on the move this summer. It’s a shame because he has been getting some pelters from our fans recently – some of it deserved, some of it definitely unfair.
Performances of late haven’t been great, though I do think they’ll be some interested parties in his signature. Brighton would provide him with a platform to play week-in, week-out and that would be a good move for all involved.
What transfer business do you think United need to do this summer to become genuine title contenders in 2020-21?
Honestly, I don’t think we’re too far away. I’d love a top-class right-winger like Jadon Sancho and another attack-minded midfielder, maybe Jack Grealish. Going beyond that it’s all about depth. Another centre-half and true central midfielder would be lovely. Money may be tight following COVID-19’s effect on football, though…
You don’t have a good record at the Amex, having played two lost two. What do Brighton need to do to stand a chance of winning against United again?
It’s our new bogey ground, although I’m hopeful that will change for our third visit. Brighton should look to be physical, look to frustrate and pack the midfield.
This United team struggles with width so force us wide, keep the game close going into the last 20 minutes and you’ve got every chance at a victory as this team struggles under pressure.
Finally, what is the Old Trafford Faithful prediction ahead of Brighton v Manchester United?
I’ll go for a 2-1 United win, though it’ll be tight!
Thanks to Jordan for taking the time to talk to us and commiserations to him and the rest of the United support on Liverpool’s title win. You can follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter, a handy place to remind Jordan of his prediction should Brighton manage to beat United again at the Amex.
