Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion 8/7/22 - Premier League Picks & Predictions

On Sunday, Manchester United hosts Brighton & Hove Albion in the opening match of the 2022-23 English Premier League campaign for both. Erik ten Hag will begin his career as Manchester United's manager on Sunday at Old Trafford. Last season, Manchester United finished a disappointing sixth at 16-10-12 on 58 points with a goal difference of 0. The Red Devils qualified for the Europa League but were a distant 13 points away from Champions League qualification.

Manchester will play without Cristiano Ronaldo who has asked to be released from his contract. Over the summer, Manchester United signed Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen. Manchester United played six pre-season matches, defeating Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Melbourne Victory, followed by a draw with Aston Villa, a loss to Atletico Madrid and a draw with Rayo Vallecano. 

Brighton & Hove Albion finished ninth in the top flight English league table last season at 12-15-11 on 51 points with a goal difference -2. BHA finished just five points behind the last place for European qualification. During the summer, BHA lost two important players via transfer when Marc Cucurella left to play for Chelsea and Yves Bissouma transferred to Tottenham. 

BHA added Simon Adingra and Julio Enciso on transfer, while Levi Colwill joined on a loan from Chelsea. Brighton & Hove Albion played five matches during the preseason defeating Estoril, Reading and Espanyol while drawing with Union SG and losing to Brentford. The Seagulls were 4-0 winners late last season over Manchester United at home but were defeated 2-0 at Old Trafford.