# Brighton vs Man Utd Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, and How to Watch — Carrick’s First Game as Permanent Boss Meets Brighton’s European Lifeline!

URL: https://technosports.co.in/brighton-vs-man-utd-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-05-24  
Updated: 2026-05-24  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

This is the final day of the **2025-26 Premier League season** — and while Manchester United are already locked into 3rd place, Brighton are fighting for their European lives. Add in **Michael Carrick’s first official match as permanent Man United boss** and a potential **Bruno Fernandes assist record** — and Sunday at the Amex is anything but a dead rubber.

## Brighton vs Man Utd Match Info

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| **Match** | Brighton vs Manchester United |
| **Competition** | Premier League 2025-26 — Gameweek 38 |
| **Date & Time** | Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 4:00 PM (BST) |
| **Venue** | American Express Community Stadium, Brighton |
| **Man Utd Position** | 3rd (confirmed) |
| **Brighton Position** | 7th (Europa League spot) |
| **Broadcast** | Sky Sports, NBC Sports (USA), Star Sports (India) |

## Why This Match Is Far From a Formality

**Brighton** are 7th — sitting in a Europa League spot — but they could finish anywhere from 6th to 9th depending on results elsewhere. Sixth would put them into the **Champions League** (if Aston Villa finish 5th), while 9th would mean **no European football at all**. That’s three wildly different outcomes hinging on a single match. Expect Hurzeler’s side to come out with everything.

![Brighton vs Man Utd](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mnsusunn-1024x576.webp)

**Man United**, meanwhile, are stress-free — 3rd place is locked in and **Champions League football next season is confirmed**. But Carrick will want a statement win in his first game since being handed a permanent contract until 2028. He’s won 11 of his 16 Premier League games since replacing Ruben Amorim in January — this is his moment to set the tone for next season.

## Recent Form Guide

| Team | Premier League Recent Form |
| --- | --- |
| **Brighton** | W D W L W L |
| **Manchester United** | L W W W D W |

Brighton have won **7 of their last 10** meetings with Man United across all competitions — including a 2-1 FA Cup win in January. But Man United’s away record (4th best in the league, 26 points from 18 games) tells a different story.

## Team News & Possible Lineups

**Brighton** are without Stefanos Tzimas (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (thigh) and Adam Webster (knee). Mats Wieffer (ankle) is a major doubt. Danny Welbeck starts against his former club, and Carlos Baleba — a reported Man United transfer target — could be making his final Seagulls appearance.

**Man United** miss Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Casemiro (farewell), while Benjamin Sesko is a major doubt with a shin injury. Mason Mount could slot into central midfield. Harry Maguire starts despite his England snub. Bruno Fernandes needs just **one more assist** to break the all-time single-season Premier League record — currently jointly held with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry at 20.

**Brighton XI (probable):** Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Cuyper; Hinshelwood, Baleba, Gross; Minteh, Welbeck, Kadioglu

**Man Utd XI (probable):** Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Mount; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo

## Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Manchester United

Remarkably, there has been **no draw between these two clubs since May 1983** — and never a Premier League draw between them. History may well be made on Sunday. Brighton will push hard for a result they desperately need; Man United will be competitive but are unlikely to be at full intensity with nothing at stake. A pulsating share of the spoils feels right.

According to the [Premier League’s official competition rules](https://www.premierleague.com/premier-league-explained), final day standings are determined entirely by points and goal difference — making every goal count for Brighton in this one.

For more Premier League previews and football analysis, visit [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## How to Watch Brighton vs Man Utd

The match airs live on **Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League** in the UK, **NBC Sports/Peacock** in the USA, and **Star Sports/Disney+ Hotstar** in India. Kick-off is at **4:00 PM BST** on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Full streaming and broadcast guides are available at [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## FAQs

### **Q: What time does Brighton vs Man Utd kick off on May 24, 2026?**

A: The match kicks off at **4:00 PM BST** on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.

### **Q: What does Brighton need to qualify for European football in 2026-27?**

 A: Brighton currently sit 7th and need to win — and hope results elsewhere go their way — to potentially reach as high as a **Champions League qualifying spot**, while a loss could see them drop out of European competition entirely.