As the Premier League heats up, Manchester United welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Kick-off is set for 5:30 p.m. BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. For Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils, riding high after back-to-back wins, this is a golden chance to build momentum and snap a frustrating hoodoo against the Seagulls. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, arrive unbeaten in five and eyeing a fourth straight victory at this historic venue.
Match Preview
Manchester United sit ninth in the table with 13 points from eight games, having finally clicked into gear under Amorim. Their dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield last weekend – ending a nine-year drought there – followed a 2-0 home win over Chelsea, marking their first consecutive Premier League successes since May 2024. Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike and Harry Maguire’s late header sealed the points against Liverpool, showcasing the grit and quality that’s been missing earlier in the campaign. United have now won three straight home league games – their best Old Trafford streak since 2023 – scoring at least twice in each. However, defensive vulnerabilities linger, with just one clean sheet in eight outings.
Brighton lurk just one point behind in 10th with 12 points, fresh off a gritty 2-1 home win over Newcastle United. The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last five across all competitions, including triumphs over Manchester City and Chelsea this season, blending possession-based flair with ruthless counter-pressing. Danny Welbeck’s brace against Newcastle has him in red-hot form, but their away record is patchy – just three points from four road trips – and they’ve spent more time drawing or losing than winning this term (37.8% and 38.1%, respectively).
Both sides enter this fixture with confidence, but United’s home resurgence clashes with Brighton’s knack for grinding out results.
Team News
Manchester United head into the weekend with a relatively clean bill of health, but a couple of knocks from Anfield could disrupt Amorim’s plans. Harry Maguire (knock) and Mason Mount (knock) are doubts after the Liverpool win, though nothing “serious” – late fitness tests will decide their involvement. Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a knee injury, targeting a November return after a recent setback. Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) is also out until mid-October at the earliest. Senne Lammens continues in goal after two strong showings, while Bruno Fernandes nears his 300th United appearance.
Brighton face a tougher injury pile-up. Confirmed absentees include Adam Webster (knee, out until January), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle), Solly March (long-term), and Brajan Gruda (knee). Kaoru Mitoma (ankle) and Joel Veltman (calf) are late calls after missing recent games, with Hürzeler monitoring their status closely. Carlos Baleba shook off a knock to start against Newcastle, and Diego Gomez is fit despite a minor issue from international duty. Welbeck leads the line, buzzing with four goals in three games.
Potential Lineups
Amorim is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 shape, balancing defensive solidity with attacking thrust from the wings. If Maguire and Mount are passed fit, they’ll slot in; otherwise, Jonny Evans and Kobbie Mainoo could cover.
Manchester United Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Maguire, de Ligt, Shaw; Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount (or Mainoo); Cunha.
Brighton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu (or De Cuyper); Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma (or Gomez); Welbeck.
Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton
United enter as slight favorites at -102 odds, with a 51% implied win probability, but Brighton’s H2H dominance and unbeaten run make this no gimme. Expect goals – both teams have scored in 80% of Brighton’s last 20 league games, and United’s xG ranks second in the division. Mbeumo’s form against Brighton (three goals, three assists in four starts) and Welbeck’s ex-United threat point to a thriller. We’ll back the Red Devils to edge it at home, with Fernandes pulling strings for a narrow victory. Man Utd 2-1 Brighton.
