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!

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

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.

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

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, 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.

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.

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