PREM: Brighton v Manchester United preview

Brighton v Manchester United preview

Paul Pogba will captain Manchester United again when they face Brighton on Sunday.

The midfielder wore the armband for the opening win over Leicester last Friday and scored from the penalty spot.

However, he made comments after the game that hinted at tensions at Old Trafford, although Manchester United have described reports that Jose Mourinho and Pogba had a big bust-up as "absolute nonsense".

Asked on Friday about Pogba, Mourinho said: "I want him to play well, I want him to play for the team, the fans, and that is what it is.

"He's working extremely well here, but I have to say in his defence that write what you want about him, write what you want about me, please don't say lies.

 

"Please don't put him in a situation where people can think he's not a polite, educated guy, which he is...The truth is we are together for two years and I've never been so happy with him as I am now."

Brighton beat United 1-0 at the Amex Stadium last season to secure their top-flight status.

However, they were beaten 2-0 at Watford on the opening day and manager Chris Hughton is seeking a response.

 

"We were very disappointed with the performance last week," he said. "We can win or lose anywhere, particularly away from home, and we didn't expect a comfortable game. If you lose in a manner you can accept, that's okay, but the performance was not at a level we expected.

"I need to make decisions on the changes I need to make. It's a bad start for us. We need a reaction."

 

Brighton captain Bruno will miss out with a hamstring problem. The Spanish defender was forced off in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Watford but is expected to resume training next week, with Hughton admitting the injury is "nowhere near as bad as we probably thought".

Former Valencia right-back Martin Montoya could make his debut and fill in but new signing Florin Andone (groin) and winger Jose Izquierdo (knee) will also be out due to ongoing injuries.

Pogba will captain the Manchester United side again and Mourinho has no fresh worries to contend with.

Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia returned to training on Thursday but are not yet fit for selection.

Ander Herrera, Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot remain out, but those late back from the World Cup

are closing in on full fitness.