Amorim focused on Brighton task, not Man Utd's scalp of Liverpool

Ruben Amorim will not let Manchester United rest on their eye-catching success over Liverpool as his focus immediately turns to Brighton at home in Saturday's Premier League clash.

United won back-to-back league games for the first time under Amorim after claiming their most impressive result of his tenure with Sunday's 2-1 away win over the champions.

Harry Maguire stepped up with six minutes remaining to power in the winner at Anfield, backing up a comfortable 2-0 success over Sunderland last time out at Old Trafford.

Amorim drew plaudits for opting to start Matheus Cunha over Benjamin Sesko as well as tweaking his midfield set-up, but he has already turned his attention to Brighton.

"It was a good day and now I am concerned about Brighton," Amorim said. "It meant a lot [on Sunday] but tomorrow, it won’t mean a lot."

Senne Lammens once again impressed in the United goal, making five saves and only being beaten by a close-range finish by Cody Gakpo, who had been denied three times by the woodwork earlier.

The goalkeeper has quietly settled into life at Old Trafford after replacing Altay Bayindir, who was picked ahead of Andre Onana, and he wants to keep delivering.

"I try my hardest, I think I’m quite okay at this, trying to keep the noise out from outside," Lammens said.

One player to test Lammens on Saturday will be Danny Welbeck, who continued his fine run of form with two goals against Newcastle United in a 2-1 Brighton win last weekend.

Welbeck is no stranger to Old Trafford, of course, having left United in 2014, and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is pleased to be able to call upon the veteran striker.

"If you see him, you know why," said Hurzeler. "He's a top professional. Before and after training he's prepared. He recovers well.

"On top of that, if you're a good personality and leader, then I think that's the main thing to describe Danny Welbeck."

Welbeck will be key if Brighton are to continue their strong record at the home of United, who sit a point and a place clear of their visitors in ninth.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United – Bryan Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo scored a delightful opener against Liverpool, finishing well with his right foot after being played through by Amad Diallo early on, and the former Brentford forward has a good record against Brighton.

Indeed, Mbeumo has only been involved in more Premier League goals against Southampton (eight) than he has against Brighton (six – three goals, three assists).

All six of these have come in his last four starts against the Seagulls, who may be fearful of the winger's quality on Saturday.

Brighton – Danny Welbeck

United will have to watch out for Welbeck, who came through the academy at Carrington and played 92 times for the Red Devils before leaving for Arsenal.

The 34-year-old is in fine form, too, having scored four goals in his last three Premier League games, more than he had in his previous 15 (three).

With braces against Chelsea and, last time out, at home to Newcastle, this is only the third season where Welbeck has scored multiple goals in more than one game, after 2013-14 and 2017-18 (both two).

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

The Opta supercomputer struggled to split these two sides in its pre-match predictions, though United came out on top in a fraction more than their visitors.

That may come as a surprise considering United have lost six of their last seven top-flight games against Brighton (W1), double the amount they had lost against them in their first 17 league meetings (W12 D2 L3).

Brighton have also won each of their last three Premier League away games against United – the last side to win on more consecutive league visits to Old Trafford was Manchester City between 1968 and 1972 (five).

However, United have won back-to-back games in the competition under Amorim for the first time, and will be aiming for three straight wins for the first time since a run between May and August last year, under Erik ten Hag.

The hosts have won their last three Premier League home games as well, which is as many victories as they managed in their previous 13 at Old Trafford (D2 L8).

They last won more consecutively between April and August 2023 (eight), though that run was stopped by a 3-1 defeat against Saturday's visitors, Brighton.

With United in fine form and seemingly turning things around under Amorim, and Brighton enjoying their recent trips to Old Trafford, a draw appears a likely outcome between this pair.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Manchester United – 37.7%

Draw – 26.4%

Brighton – 35.9%