Erik ten Hag says live from Old Trafford that two first-team Manchester United players will miss their match against Brighton. On Friday, August 16, 2024–25, United defeated Fulham 1-0 at home to begin their league campaign. In order to give United all three points in the match, new addition Joshua Zirkzee scored the game’s winning goal in the 87th minute. Ten Hag announced the absence of three players from the match at a press conference held prior to the Brighton match. “Zirkzee and Martinez won’t be available for selection against Brighton on Saturday,” he said to the reporters. “They won’t be out for a long time, but just some discomfort. We don’t want to take any chances as we are trying to manage this season’s injury crisis.” “We have to take necessary action despite this significant setback,” Erik ten Hag said, confirming that Martinez and Zikzee will miss Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has confirmed that Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Højlund will be absent for the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, August 24. The Red Devils are preparing to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium, but they’ll have to do so without some crucial players who are currently sidelined due to injuries.

United began their 2024-25 Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham, secured by an 87th-minute goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee. However, as they look ahead to the Brighton match, they will need to cope without several key members of the squad.

In a press conference before the match, Ten Hag provided an update on the team’s injury situation, confirming that Malacia, Højlund, and Shaw will not be available. He stated, “Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Højlund, and Luke Shaw are all unavailable.”

Malacia has been out of action since the beginning of the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, and Ten Hag recently indicated that the defender might return in a couple of months. Højlund, who suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season match against Arsenal, is expected to be back by the end of August.

Luke Shaw, who picked up a calf injury during pre-season training, is likely to be sidelined until mid-September. In Shaw’s absence, Diogo Dalot filled in as a left-back against Fulham, with Noussair Mazraoui playing on the right side of the defense.

Ten Hag also mentioned that Victor Lindelof will miss the Brighton match due to a toe injury. The Swedish center-back was already absent for the Fulham game. Ten Hag expressed hope that Lindelof’s injury is not too serious, saying, “He’s dealing with a toe issue. We hope for a quick recovery, but he won’t be available this weekend.”

In Lindelof’s absence, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez started in the central defense against Fulham, with Matthijs de Ligt making his Manchester United debut as a substitute. However, the team will also be without 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro, who sustained an injury during pre-season.

Facing Brighton will be a tough challenge for Manchester United, especially considering their results against the Seagulls last season. United lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford but secured a 2-0 victory at the Amex Stadium. With several key players missing, Ten Hag’s team will need to perform at their best to achieve a positive result.