Manchester United could be without five players for Brighton clash

Manchester United will be without Victor Lindelof for their trip to Brighton on Saturday, and no players are expected to return for the match at the Amex Stadium.

Lindelof, who has been rumoured to be on the move during the transfer window, is sidelined due to a toe injury, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

The Swedish defender’s absence is not related to a potential transfer.

United will also be missing Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Rasmus Højlund for the clash against the Seagulls.

Brighton impressed with a 3-0 victory over Luton Town on the opening day of the season.

Asked about Lindelof and the confusion around his transfer status, Ten Hag said: “No confusion, he has an issue on his toe, hopefully he can return quickly but not available for the weekend.

“Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, they’re not available.

“Luke Shaw, of course.”

Joshua Zirkzee is eager for his first start after scoring off the bench in his debut against Fulham.

Erik ten Hag believes this early goal will boost Zirkzee’s confidence, recalling Rasmus Højlund’s experience last season.

Højlund had a goal disallowed on his debut and had to wait until Boxing Day to score his first Premier League goal.

“Very pleasing that a player who is a striker scores his first goal in his first game, that will give him confidence, very pleased that it’s happened,” said Ten Hag.

“The comparison with last year and Rasmus Hojlund and when he scored against Brighton and the VAR looked and five minutes later came to conclusion ball crossed the line in the assist and he had to wait three months for first Premier League goal.

“It gives him confidence and gives us confidence as a team.”

It’s all positive for the Seagulls, who secured a 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park in their opening league fixture.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler has announced that Pervis Estupiñán, Tariq Lamptey, and Evan Ferguson have all returned to training.

“We have to wait now to see how their rehabilitation continues and how they adapt to the intensity,” he said at a press conference.

“Then we will see if they are an option for the squad but I am very happy that these three players are back.”

Additionally, impressive new signing Yankuba Minteh has recovered from the head injury he sustained on his competitive debut last weekend.

Brajan Gruda and Georginio Rutter, the high-profile acquisition from Leeds United, could make their first appearances for the team.

“He has integrated fast into the group, which is the main thing,” commented Hurzeler.

Bart Verbruggen and Solly March are still on the sidelines.

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