Manchester United vs Brighton Hove and Albion - Three Players to watch out for

After a dramatic late win against struggling Southampton with Amad Diallo coming in clutch, Manchester United are all set to face Brighton and Hove Albion in the 22nd gameweek of the English Premier League. Manchester United have moved up from 14th position on the points table and have remained unbeaten in the last three games. On the other hand, Brighton and Hove Albion have struggled for consistency in the English top flight, with only one win in the last five games. They find themselves in ninth place but would want to move up the table in a closely contested race to the top four and European spots. 

Against Southampton, Manchester United trailed for most of the game but went on to register the win. On the other hand, Brighton and Hove Albion faced pressure early in the game but made it past the relegation-battling Ipswich Town, with Mitoma and Rutter finding the back of the net in the second half. With a busy January loaded for the teams playing in Europe, the Seagulls would want to capitalize on the same and make huge strides in the table. 

With the game held at Old Trafford, here are the top three players to watch out for who could turn the game on their heads in the 22nd game week: 

Manchester United vs Brighton - Three Players to watch out for:

1) Amad Diallo 

Manchester United fans have started calling Amad Diallo as “Amad-inho” just out of the trickery and magic he is weaving on the field for the Old Trafford outfit. While the club has struggled to remain consistent this season, one player who has thrived in the chaos and adversity in Amad. The Ivory Coast-based winger has been instrumental in the ongoing campaign to keep the side alive across multiple competitions. Even in the previous game against Southampton, he scored a hattrick in the last twelve minutes of the game to give Manchester United a boost to move up the table. 

In the 2024/25 season, Amad Diallo had six goals and six assists in 19 Premier League games, whereas in the Europa League, he had two goals from six games. In the EFL Cup, he had two G/As in his name before the team bowed out. He has been a ray of hope for the season where everything has been gloomy and dull for Manchester United and its fans. The player’s ability to overperform xG and xAG stats while also having monstrous tracking and pressing skills makes him a player to look out for. 

2) Joao Pedro 

Ever since his arrival to Amex Stadium, Joao Pedro has took the league by storm and has given fans one more chance to cherish and cheer the side. While Brighton and Hove Albion continue to be home to underrated gems, Joao Pedro is another cap in the feather of the scouting department. 

Leading the attack from the front, the 6-foot striker is at the center of the action. The player has ten G/A in 15 Premier League fixtures, and in the games where he has been absent, the goals have dried up for the team. It's not only that he scores goals, but he also adds value with his playmaking abilities. A great progressor of the ball, with his link-up play, the Brazilian forward has been a star attacker. He accounts for 3.6 progressive passes and 1.3 key passes per 90. Against a solid Manchester United defensive line, Pedro will be key for the Seagulls. 

3) Manuel Ugarte

Ever since the departure of Erik ten Hag, two players have thrived in the current setup. One is Amad Diallo and the other is Manuel Ugarte. The former Paris St Germain midfielder has broken multiple records in the midfield and is raking in interceptions and tackles. Under Ruben Amorim, the player has become an important asset to the side in a struggling season. 

While under Ten Hag, Manuel Ugarte struggled for game time, whereas under Ruben Amorim, he started most of the games. The South American midfielder has improved the ball retention in the midfield with more than 90.4% passing success and defensive capabilities by tackles and interceptions.

An excellent reader of the game, Ugarte has 4.53 tackles attempted per 90 in the Premier League and 1.58 successful interceptions. While he has only one G/A to his name across all competitions, his role is defined as staying at the heart of the midfield and shielding the defense and midfield from getting overran. After stupendous performances against Liverpool and Arsenal, he will be one player to watch out against the Seagulls.