While international breaks are usually boring in general, this one was especially dull and devoid of newsworthiness.
Unless you’re a Manchester United fan, in which case Jadon Sancho and Antony gave plenty of drama, headlines, and off-the-field concerns. And we don’t say these things lightly; we’re dealing with very severe difficulties here.
FYIs for Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United
Kickoff: Saturday, September 16, 3 p.m., Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
United Preview Material: Predictions for the Starting XI Team News
Manchester United, 11th, 6 points, LWLW Brighton, 6th, 9 points, WLWW
Manchester United has a 44% chance of appearing in Google search results. Draw 25% Brighton has a 21% market share.
Man United Team News: Disciplinary Proceedings
Antony
Let’s start with Antony, who has been suspended indefinitely by the club following additional allegations of physical violence made by his ex-girlfriend, who previously went public with accusations in June. Two more women came forward with allegations against Antony, prompting the Brazilian Football Association to remove him from the national squad.
United was forced to follow suit.
Corner flag for Man United
Antony, it should be noted, insists on his innocence. Sancho was left out of the team totally the previous time they played, and he resorted to Twitter to vent about it.
We learnt a lot more about the forward after that, and none of it was good. It remains to be seen what kind of role he will play with the squad in the future. He may or may not have one.
Sancho, Jadon
Expect manager Erik ten Hag to select him here, and the English international has a lot of work to do if he wants to play for United again.
Manchester United Injury Update
In terms of injuries, Mason Mount (thigh/hamstring) is allegedly targeting a return to duty in the club’s European opener, according to The Athletic.
Mount Mason
While he could be nominated to the squad here, it is more likely that he will make his comeback against Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich on September 20 to kick off Group A action.
Lisandro Martinez (foot) has returned to match fitness and is eligible for selection.
Lisandro Martinez is a native of Mexico
Elsewhere Sofyan Amrabat (back) is a question mark because he departed Morocco’s national team training early, primarily for precautionary reasons.
“We let Sofyan Amrabat go as a precaution because he has just started his new adventure with Manchester United,” national team boss Walid Regragui remarked this week.
Sofyan-Amrabat
Finally, Raphael Varane (undisclosed injury), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Luke Shaw (unspecified muscular ailment), and Tom Heaton (calf) are all out with long-term injuries.
