Manchester United v Brighton Match Preview

Manchester United are set to host Brighton and Hove Albion in game week twelve of the Women’s Super League this Sunday.

Manchester United come into the clash against Brighton in mixed form. Last week, United played local rivals Manchester City twice – once in the league and once in the Subway cup. They won the league game 4-2 but lost the Subway Cup game 2-1.

The seagulls come into Sunday’s game off the back of a 4-0 loss at home to Arsenal in the Subway Cup.

The last meeting between the two teams was in October 2024 and ended in a 1-1 draw.

The main talking point will centre around both team’s front lines – Elisabeth Terland was signed for United from Brighton last summer and Nikita Parris went the other way. Parris hit form for Brighton, forging a positive relationship with another new addition for the Seagulls (Fran Kirby).

United as a team have struggled in front of goal at times, however Terland has hit the scoresheet for United, scoring five goals in all competitions. Terland’s main attribute for United so far has been her unselfishness, assisting a further four goals (including a hattrick of assists against Manchester City in the Subway Cup).

For United, Jade Riviere, Celin Bizet and Dominique Janssen were all rested ahead of this clash and for Brighton, Nikita Parris is expected to start up front against her former team. Fran Kirby is still out with injury.

Speaking ahead of the clash, United manager Marc Skinner referred to the League Cup exit and the hunger for a win that has created within the team; “As much as the defeat hurts, we’ve got to use it on Sunday when we play Brighton, because it’s important that we keep progressing”.

Indeed, United currently sit third in the Women’s Super League, and if they want to remain in the race for Champions League football, must continue to pick up points. Brighton sit in fifth, and will have similar aims.

You can watch Manchester United v Brighton at Leigh Sports Village or on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Showcase from 18:30 GMT.