Brighton vs Manchester United LIVE early team news plus how to watch and predicted lineup

There will be a couple of faces to keep an eye on in the Brighton side today. Carlos Baleba remains a player of interest to United and he is desperate to move to Old Trafford, but the chances of that happening might depend on whether they can secure their top targets. Ederson is already closing in on filling one of those midfield berths.

Then there is Danny Welbeck, looking to score a 10th goal in his career against his former club. United are in the market for an experienced striker this summer and they could do a lot worse than trying to bring Welbeck back.

It’s a scorching hot day on the south coast with barely a cloud in the sky. The kind of day you associate with the last weekend of the Premier League and it will be fun in the sun in that away end.

Brighton still have Europe to worry about, but United will finish third and after a brilliant second half to the season, there is plenty to celebrate, including the permanent appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach. He will get a raucous reception from that away end today.

Carrick could hand chances to some of United's young players today.

The win against Forest last weekend has turned the trip to Brighton into a dead rubber for United, although the Seagulls still have plenty to play for as they seek European football for next season.

While Carrick is aware of the need to take the game seriously for that reason, he is likely to bring a few youngsters in to hand out opportunities before the end of the season.

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This is how our writers think United should line up today:

Tyrone Marshall

Carrick’s press conference suggested he wasn’t going to throw loads of youngsters in here and I think those involved might have to wait for their chance.

I wouldn’t make any changes from the start in defence. Luke Shaw deserves to start every league game and Harry Maguire should play after his England snub.

There is a need to find a stand-in for Casemiro and what’s the point in starting Manuel Ugarte when his days are numbered. I’d pick Tyler Fletcher from the start, even if Carrick won’t.

I’d also play Shea Lacey from the start. He hasn’t been involved since being sent off against Brighton in the FA Cup but is a first-team regular in training and deserves a start. Bryan Mbeumo can lead the line, with Matheus Cunha on the wing.

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Carrick praised outgoing City boss Pep Guardiola during his press conference on Thursday, saying he's had a "massive impact on football".

"Pure respect on Pep, his family in Manchester City is a football club, so he's had a massive impact on football on these shores, and throughout Europe really in his time, in terms of what he's achieved, really, is the standout."

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Carrick was asked about the importance of signing the right partner for Mainoo this summer, and he said the youngster’s skillset will make it easier to bring someone in to play alongside him.

Mainoo will deservedly feature for England at the World Cup this summer after enjoying a renaissance over the last five months. The 21-year-old has reminded everyone of his talent after slipping down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, and the new chant about him is true: United can’t play without Mainoo.

The ironic thing is he may be rested today. The clash is a dead rubber and Carrick might not risk him ahead of the World Cup.

This game is obviously a dead rubber for United, so today is a great chance to give a few young players the opportunity to show what they can do.

It sounds like Lacey and Tyler Fletcher are travelling down, so it will be great to see them on the pitch at some stage. I’d actually start Lacey, who has been excellent all season. The 18-year-old was handed his senior debut against Aston Villa in December, and looked exciting during cameos against Burnley and Brighton. Carrick is understood to rate Lacey highly, so it’s possible he’s given on a start.

United officially announced yesterday afternoon that Carrick’s coaching staff would continue in their respective roles. Holland, Woodgate, Evans, Binnion and Mawson have all played a huge part in the turnaround, and it was important to also tie them down to two-year contracts.

It’s been interesting to watch Carrick and Holland during matches because they constantly communicate and share ideas on the touchline. The vastly experienced Holland has enjoyed a wonderful career, and Carrick has described him as a “wise man.”

It’s a beautiful day for football. The weather has been awful over the last few weeks, but the sun is out on the south coast, and the end-of-season vibes are here.

United’s fans will enjoy their trip to the Amex Stadium regardless of the result. Champions League football was secured with three games to spare, third place has been wrapped up and Carrick was confirmed as United’s permanent head coach on Friday.

The only way is up for the Reds. Right?

Carrick believes Mainoo's varied skill set will make it "easier" for United to sign a midfielder to play alongside him. Casemiro made his final United appearance last weekend, and the Reds will sign a replacement for the Brazilian in the summer transfer window.

United have earmarked significant investment to sign Casemiro's successor, and the likes of Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba are on the midfield shortlist.

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Lammens has been superb but today could be the chance for his back-up Bayindir to play. The Turkey international looks set to leave the club this summer so Carrick could hand him one final appearance for the Reds.

The defence should remain consistent despite options being available to Carrick. Maguire hit the headlines this week after he missed out on the World Cup and he will be desperate to show Tuchel what he is missing. Shaw also missed out on the England squad and will have started every single Premier League game if he is named in the starting XI.

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Hello and welcome to our live matchday blog as United face Brighton in their final game of the season.

Today marks Michael Carrick's first game as permanent head coach, and the boss will be eager to kick off with a win. Carrick's record of 11 wins from 16 games has ensured United have Champions League football to look forward to next season, but the hard work has only just begun and United have a lot to do if they are to be challenging for a Premier League title any time soon.

We'll have updates, analysis and reaction from the Amex on what is a glorious day on the south coast.

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