Ruben Amorim hints at Man Utd transfer decision ahead of Brighton clash

Ruben Amorim has named his starting XI for Manchester United’s home game against Brighton in the Premier League at Old Trafford – and there’s a hint towards a future move

Ruben Amorim has left Antony out of the Manchester United starting XI for their Premier League game against Brighton.

Amorim has rotated his team for the game, which comes just three days after the 3-1 win over Southampton, with Harry Maguire, Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot coming into the line-up. That means Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho drop to the bench, where Antony remains.

The Brazilian winger is close to joining Real Betis on loan in the January transfer window, having fallen down the pecking order at United. He got onto the pitch in the second half against Southampton, but could be about to be involved for the final time this season.

Man Utd XI: Onana; Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee.

Antony cost United £82million from Ajax in September 2022, but has failed to live up to his price tag at Old Trafford. He has contributed just 12 goals and five assists in 95 appearances for the club, who are keen to reshape their squad for Amorim.

United come into the Brighton game on the back of an improved run of results, albeit with inconsistency still very much present in the performances. Amorim’s side drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month before coming through on penalties against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, despite playing most of the match with 10 men.

They followed that up with a very unimpressive 3-1 win over bottom side Southampton on Thursday, which needed a late hat-trick from Amad to settle things. United begin their 2pm kick-off on Sunday in 13th place in the Premier League on 26 points from 21 games.

Sunday’s game will come with tributes for United legend Denis Law, who passed away on Friday aged 84. Law is United’s third-highest goal scorer and stands outside Old Trafford in a ‘Holy Trinity’ statue with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.

United’s players will wear black armbands as a sign of respect for Law, while a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off. The game will also be attended by United fan Luke Littler, who has brought the Sid Waddell Trophy to Old Trafford to parade after his stunning 7-3 win over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace earlier this month.

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