Erik ten Hag says live from Old Trafford that two first-team Manchester United players will miss their match against Brighton. On Friday, August 16, 2024–25, United defeated Fulham 1-0 at home to begin their league campaign. In order to give United all three points in the match, new addition Joshua Zirkzee scored the game’s winning goal in the 87th minute. Ten Hag announced the absence of three players from the match at a press conference held prior to the Brighton match. “Zirkzee and Martinez won’t be available for selection against Brighton on Saturday,” he said to the reporters. “They won’t be out for a long time, but just some discomfort. We don’t want to take any chances as we are trying to manage this season’s injury crisis.” “We have to take necessary action despite this significant setback,” Erik ten Hag said, confirming that Martinez and Zikzee will miss Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. For us, this is a major issue 😱Brighton will undoubtedly take full advantage of this chance. This has not pleased the fans💔😱🙀
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Højlund will be unavailable for the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, August 24. The Red Devils will head to the Amex Stadium with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
United began their 2024-25 season with a tight 1-0 win over Fulham, secured by an 87th-minute goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee. However, they will now face the challenge of playing Brighton without some crucial members of their squad.
During a pre-match press conference, Ten Hag shared updates on the team’s injuries, confirming that Malacia, Højlund, and Shaw will not be part of the squad. He stated, “Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Højlund, they’re not available. Luke Shaw, of course, [is out].”
Malacia has been out of action since the beginning of the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, with Ten Hag recently suggesting that the defender could return in a couple of months. Højlund, who suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season match against Arsenal, is expected to be back by the end of August.
Luke Shaw, who picked up a calf injury during pre-season training, is anticipated to be out until mid-September. Diogo Dalot stepped in as left-back in the Fulham game, while Noussair Mazraoui took up the right-back position.
Ten Hag also noted that Victor Lindelof will miss the Brighton match due to a toe injury. The Swedish center-back was absent from the previous game against Fulham as well. Ten Hag expressed optimism about Lindelof’s condition, saying, “He has an issue with his toe. So, hopefully, he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend.”
With Lindelof unavailable, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez started against Fulham, and Matthijs de Ligt made his Manchester United debut as a substitute. However, United will also be without 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro, who is recovering from an injury sustained during pre-season.
Manchester United face a tough challenge against Brighton, especially given last season’s results. United lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford but secured a 2-0 victory at the Amex. With several key players missing, Ten Hag’s team will need to perform at their best to achieve a favorable outcome.
