Manchester United

A Brighton win would secure them seventh place and European football next season, and they could even finish sixth if Bournemouth lose.

It has not always been smooth progress for the Seagulls this season under Fabian Hurzeler, but they have finished the campaign strongly.

Manchester United have got something to play for too, though, or at least Bruno Fernandes does - he needs to set up one more goal to break the Premier League record for assists in a single season.

I think Fernandes will get his assist, but Brighton will take the points - with Danny Welbeck scoring the winner.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Manchester United to the American Express Stadium on Sunday looking to confirm their place in European football next season.

Fabian Hurzeler's side, currently seventh, have enjoyed a splendid campaign and can still book a spot in either the Europa League or the Conference League, depending on how results pan out elsewhere on the final day.

Can Welbeck haunt his old club again?

Central to that success has been the form of ex-United striker Danny Welbeck, who will make his 400th Premier League appearance if he features against his old club – the 46th player to reach that milestone.

A six-year spell in the first team at Old Trafford for the Manchester-born forward accounted for 92 of those, and he enjoys playing against his former employers more than anyone else.

Against no club has Welbeck scored more goals in all competitions than he has against United (eight). He played more games (36) and scored more goals (13) this term than in another season of his laudable top-flight career.

As they come tantalisingly close to realising another European dream – their only previous experience on the continent was a run the Europa League last 16 in 2023-24 – the Seagulls will be reassured to know they have an excellent record against United.

In fact, Brighton have the highest win rate against United of any side in Premier League history both overall (47%) and at home (63%). None of those 17 meetings have ended in a draw.

United back in the big time

Unlike their opponents, Manchester United have already guaranteed themselves a return to European football next season. Michael Carrick's side have sealed Champions League qualification after a two-year absence and will finish third regardless of Sunday's result.

The Red Devils' turnaround under their former midfielder is well-documented. Carrick, who has signed new contract running until 2028, has the best points-per-game (PPG) average of any manager in the division this season (2.25).

Indeed, it is the best PPG by any United manager in a league season since Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign in 2012-13 (2.34), when Carrick made a career-high 36 top-flight appearances.

Having teed up Bryan Mbeumo against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, the pressure is off Bruno Fernandes in his pursuit of the record for most assists in a Premier League campaign.

Fernandes moved level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on 20, but don't bet against the Portuguese playmaker linking up with his Cameroonian colleague again.

Against no side has Mbeumo been involved in more Premier League goals than he has against Brighton (five goals, three assists), with all eight coming in his last five starts against the Seagulls.

He scored two in the reverse fixture, a 4-2 win at Old Trafford in October, meaning United are looking to complete a league double over Brighton for the first time since 2020-21.

Despite boasting an excellent record at the tail end of the season – only Arsenal have won more games on the final day than United's 23 – it's far from a formality.

United have lost six of their last eight league matches against the Seagulls, in addition to being dumped out of the FA Cup by Hurzeler's charges at the third round stage in January.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their new permanent head coach, so we asked you to tell us his first two jobs and your reasoning for them.

Here are some of your replies:

Steven: 1) Get rid of the underperforming players, such as Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount, and replace them with young players from the academy. 2) Sign at least two extremely good midfielders within the right age bracket, plus one left-back.

Nigel: Now the hard work begins. This summer's transfer window will be crucial in shaping next season. First, we need a proven, goalscoring forward to share the burden up front, as well as at least two midfielders, a left-back and a back-up goalkeeper. The other top priority will be to offload players who are surplus to requirements. There are several names that come into this category, and any money acquired through these sales needs to be invested into squad improvements.

Candiga: He needs to fill the gap in midfield and get a better striker. Obviously, he needs to maintain the winning spirit in all the competitions United participate in next season.

Agim: Moving forward, there are a couple of things to sort out. We must sort the midfield after the departure of Casemiro and add one more defender, plus one more attacking player. We definitely need them as we have a fight on all four fronts ahead. Let's hope he and Manchester United get it right.

Christine: He needs to stop playing counter-attacking football and play a more progressive, pressing style with more possession. He needs to be adaptable. I do think he is the right choice for now, as all the first-choice managers are not available at the moment. I think that shows in the length of the contract. He has done a job putting round pegs into round holes, but he now needs to play the Sir Alex way - attack, attack, attack. That's the real Manchester United way.

Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

So is this how it feels, huh?

On 8 May 2013, the football world rejoiced when the news came through that Sir Alex Ferguson was walking away from Manchester United and into retirement.

After 38 trophies in 27 years - including 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns and the first Treble by an English side - you could understand the relief.

Now, with Manchester City confirming Pep Guardiola is on his way out of Etihad Stadium, the feeling is mutual.

Praise for anything related to City understandably comes with hesitation while 115 charges for alleged financial rule breaches linger, but Guardiola's Ferguson-like thirst for lifting silverware, and his undoubted influence on the English game, cannot be ignored.

A total of 20 trophies across 10 years - including six league titles, City's inaugural European Cup and the second Treble by an English side - should make it no surprise that we are glad to see the back of him.

It's not quite Ferguson, and calls for Guardiola to be recognised as the Premier League's greatest manager are purely reactionary.

That said, as with all great football rivalries, there is admittedly a layer of respect that seldom leaks out.

Guardiola has watched four United managers come and go during his time in Manchester, yet he has always shown this great club the respect it demands.

In another life, he was the chosen one, not David Moyes. Where would that have taken us?

It is fitting how, 15 minutes before the confirmation of Guardiola's departure, United announced Michael Carrick's appointment as permanent head coach.

I'd be lying if I said there wasn't hope of City suffering the same hangover as we did after Ferguson's departure.

If United and Carrick get it right this summer, there is a serious opportunity for the hierarchy of power in Manchester to change.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Michael Carrick has been asked so many times when there will be clarity over his future recently, he could have told the media to use his answer from previous briefings.

In a sense, despite presiding over 11 wins during his 16 games in temporary charge, the hard work starts now for Carrick.

Third place in a 40-game season – United had no Europe and fell at the first hurdle in both domestic cup competitions – is one thing. Improving in a campaign that could extend to 60 matches is another.

Clearly, United need to get their recruitment right. Central midfield is the key area. Casemiro is leaving, Manuel Ugarte is not good enough and Kobbie Mainoo can't play in every single game.

If Patrick Dorgu continues to be used in a more advanced role, competition for Luke Shaw at left-back is also urgently needed. The same is also true for Senne Lammens in goal as Radek Vitek wants to build on his outstanding season at Bristol City by continuing to play all the time, which would not be the case if he returned to Old Trafford next season.

Support can come from United's academy. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Jacob Devaney has impressed in the Scottish Premiership on loan at St Mirren. Promising England Under-20 international Shea Lacey will surely get more of a chance next season.

But the academy cannot do the heavy lifting. Carrick needs support from the recruitment department.

Statistical pieces have been published outlining why United have not been quite as good post-Ruben Amorim as their results suggest. This is harsh and ignores the sense of calm Carrick has brought to Carrington, the stability he brings to the dressing room and his refusal to panic in difficult moments.

It might not seem that way but given the extra games, third next season would be a massive improvement. Carrick needs players to stand a chance of achieving it.

The latest news and views on the Red Devils in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

'It's Carrick, you know...' and now it is official! Michael Carrick is the new Manchester United head coach - for good this time.

I'm confident he is the perfect fit for what the club needs right now, especially on a two-year contract rather than a long-term commitment.

While we should always strive for the highest standards, it is unrealistic to expect a Premier League or Champions League challenge next season.

United's focus will be to build on the foundations laid and improvements made in the past six months and move closer to that ultimate goal.

If the risk pays off and there is clear progress after these two years, Carrick will have earned his extra year or an improved deal. If not, the squad should be in a better place for a more proven coach to step in and take it to the next level.

Carrick - the man who has overseen the first phase of recovery from Ruben Amorim's time in charge - is a more logical candidate than another new arrival, who would require time to settle into the club and create a bond with the hierarchy and the players.

Is the 44-year-old best in class, with Middlesbrough the only other club on his managerial CV? Perhaps not.

Yet does any other currently attainable candidate suit the criteria? Definitely not.

Carrick has returned and completed the task at hand somewhat at a canter.

He has guided United back into the Champions League by any means necessary. The performances haven't been perfect, but you can't argue against 10 wins from 15 matches - and just two narrow defeats.

Carrick and his staff have earned the players' respect, have made Old Trafford a fortress again, and have pushed this club back on to the right path.

He will now have the opportunity to implement the style of football he wants to play and to work with the Red Devils to continue building a squad which is ready to challenge for the biggest honours again.

Getting the summer transfer window correct should be the immediate priority, especially as it will shape his tenure's chances of success.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick says "it's time to move forward together again" after it was confirmed he will remain in the role as Manchester United head coach until 2028.

The former United midfielder re-joined as head coach in January and achieved 11 wins in 16 games to return Champions League football to Old Trafford next season.

"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United," Carrick said. "Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.

"Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.

"Now it's time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again."

Director of Football, Jason Wilcox said: "Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men's team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club's values, traditions and history.

"Michael's achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build."

What are Carrick's first and most important two tasks as manager and why? Tell us

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

George Best would have been 80 years old today.

It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences and over 40 years since he last played a game - but he is one of a rare breed whose legacy endures.

Either in the colours of Manchester United or Northern Ireland, the highlights of his career encapsulate why many who saw him still argue he was the best player ever.

For those who are younger, whose parents were too young to see Best play, there is a modern-day comparison.

"Lionel Messi is close to George Best in the way he plays," said another former United and Northern Ireland great, Sammy McIlroy. "He can dribble, beat people, score goals and make goals."

McIlroy counted Best as a hero when he was growing up in Belfast. Best later became his mentor and team-mate.

"Messi has this amazing dribbling ability," McIlroy added. "Best had it too, but this was in the 1960s when the conditions were much different to the way they are now. The pitches were terrible and your opponents wanted to hurt you.

"Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and Ron Harris were good players, but they were cruel in the way they played. It didn't bother George, though.

"It didn't matter who was dishing it out. He used to take the rough stuff, get up, and say: 'Come on then, let's have some more'.

But there was more to Best than what he did on matchday.

McIlroy recounts he was a fierce competitor in training and, at odds with the devil-may-care attitude his off-field antics often portrayed, he was also a father figure to young players from Northern Ireland like him who had travelled to England with dreams of representing United.

Read the full article here

Manchester United are confident of sealing the double transfer of 26-year-old Atalanta midfielder Ederson and 26-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. (Sky Sports Italy - in Italian), external

The Red Devils view Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall as a leading option for next season, while Bayern Munich and Liverpool are also interested in the 21-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is set to miss out when Thomas Tuchel names his 26-man England squad on Friday for this summer's World Cup.

The 33-year-old said he is "shocked and gutted" at the decision.

Maguire was named in Thomas Tuchel's previous squad in March, for the friendlies against Japan and Uruguay.

In a post on Instagram, Maguire confirmed: "I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

"I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.

Maguire's Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is also set to be omitted despite his impressive season.

Shaw was named in Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad and there had been a clamour for his inclusion.

But, with Newcastle's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly in line to be called up, Shaw is expected to miss out.

Read more here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Casemiro's Manchester United career is over – now it is time to give youth a chance.

As predicted, Michael Carrick confirmed veteran midfielder Casemiro will play no part at Brighton on Sunday.

Last Sunday's Old Trafford farewell "went as well as we could have hoped", according to the United boss.

That means there is at least one spare spot available in Carrick's squad – and there is likely to be a couple more.

While Carrick stressed he would respect the position Brighton – and the other European qualification hopefuls – are in on the final day, the game does offer an opportunity to see how some United youngsters deal with the intensity of a Premier League game.

Carrick did not say who he is thinking about, but midfielders Tyler Fletcher – twin brother Jack is thought to have an injury – and Jim Thwaites, plus forward Shea Lacey, seem most likely to benefit at the Amex Stadium.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at the Amex Stadium (16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed Casemiro will not feature at the Amex after waving goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd in last weekend's win over Nottingham Forest: "Case and I kind of decided last week would be his last game. That went well as we could have hoped. He's been fantastic. I've said a lot about Case, it was decided it could be a good time for him to finish."

• He hinted that he will give young players a chance against the Seagulls: "This club is about bringing young players through. Getting the balance right going into games like this, it's depending on how the game goes to make the most of that. We've got some really good young players to take the next step."

• However, he stressed United want to finish the campaign strongly: "There is an element of balance in the last game. We're not done, the season is not done, we're really conscious of that. There is a real balance between trying new things and evolving. The biggest thing is we're really conscious to respect this last game and what it stands for."

• He did not offer any update on his future, despite reports that he will be confirmed as the club's permanent manager in the coming days: "It was said end of the season, we're not far away. Clarity is around the corner. At this stage I can't give you anymore."

• On facing Brighton, who are themselves in the hunt for a European finish: "We're conscious of the situation of the game and what's at stake. We've put ourselves in a position where we are in the league and we want to finish strong for ourselves as much as anything. We'll approach it as we would any other game. There's a lot to play for."

• Asked whether United challenge Arsenal and Manchester City in the coming seasons, he responded: "There's always improvement within the squad. Certain things you want to tweak, which we have done as we've progressed. We came in to put things in place and improve for the longer term. We've got a really good foundation of a squad, a good mixture of ages, and different stages of careers. We're really dangerous, we can score goals, which is encouraging moving forward."

• On building on the strong end to the season: "Keep moving forward in so many ways, it's never the finished article in terms of where we want to be. Momentum and improvements, sometimes it's staff, playing squad, new ideas."

Hear more from Carrick on BBC Sounds or by pressing play above

Listen to live commentary of Brighton v Man Utd on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 3 and BBC Sounds

Got a question about Man Utd? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick's last pre-match news conference of the season is not expected to shed any light on him getting the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.

If Carrick won't talk about that, he may offer more insight into which of United's younger players are going to be part of his squad for Sunday's trip to Brighton.

Shea Lacey is the most obvious given his performances for United's Premier League 2 side this season.

The Fletcher twins, Tyler and Jack, have also trained extensively with the first team this season, while 18-year-old Jim Thwaites was on the bench for the first time at Chelsea last month.

It is important because United's pre-season starts the day before the World Cup final, against Wrexham in Helsinki.

It is impossible to imagine anyone involved at the World Cup figuring, which means younger players will form the basis of the travelling party and therefore be given a chance to impress before the new campaign and press their claims to be part of the squad heading into the season proper.

In a summer when United are going to be active in the transfer market, having academy players who can hold down a senior spot would allow more money to be invested elsewhere.

Come back to this page later for all the key lines from Carrick.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

George Best would have been 80 years old on 22 May.

It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences and over 40 years since he last played a game.

So myself and fellow former Manchester United and Northern Ireland great Sammy McIlroy have picked out five reasons why he is regarded by many as one of the greatest players in history.

Superb finisher

This clip shows Best scoring a lob right in front of the Stretford End against Tottenham in February 1971.

McIlroy said: "He does it so well because it just falls underneath the bar. There are actually two Spurs players on the line, and he still lobs it into the goal. Absolutely fantastic."

Brilliant balance

This clip shows Best managing to stay on his feet to score the winning goal in a 2-1 League Cup win over Chelsea in October 1970.

McIlroy added: "I was actually at this game. It was remarkable - the bravery and skill. There is everything in that goal."

Brilliant balance

This clip shows Best scoring one of his most iconic goals in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in October 1971.

McIlroy explained: "You see the Sheffield United defenders thinking: 'How did he do that?' - he just takes them all on. He is going away from goal but he has the nous to put it in the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance at all."

Big-game player

Best scored for Manchester United in a 4-1 victory over Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup.

McIlroy reminisced: "Pure class - to score a goal like that in a European Cup final is a dream come true."

Dribbling ability

This clip shows Best scoring a hat-trick for Manchester United in a 4-2 win over West Ham in September 1971.

McIlroy said: "Best was up against the great Bobby Moore, one of the best defenders in the world at the time. He shows him a dummy, goes past and smashes it past the goalkeeper. It was a remarkable goal."

Read the full article here

Manchester United are monitoring Borussia Dortmund left-back Julian Ryerson, 28, with the Norway international being lined up as a possible replacement for Noussair Mazraoui. (Sky Sports Germany), external

United could take advantage of Southampton's Spygate controversy by moving for 22-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles. (Mirror), external

Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Marcus Rashford as they look to make his loan deal permanent, but are yet to agree a transfer fee for the forward with Manchester United. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to bring United winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Aston Villa, back to the club for a third spell. (Bild - in German), external

Meanwhile, Inter Miami are closing in on the signing of Casemiro, who is leaving United at the end of the season. (Athletic- subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in England forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, as rival clubs prepare to capitalise on West Ham's financial problems if they are relegated by targeting their best players. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport