After an incredibly intense recent schedule, this weekend sees a break in Premier League action, with all teams in FA Cup third-round action. With it, Manchester United have an all top-flight affair at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. 

Many fans will have noticed that the visitors have announced that Pascal Gross has rejoined the club after 18 months away. The German midfielder was often United's kryptonite during his first spell at the club. 

Despite adversity, United are the favourites. Let’s consider how Darren Fletcher could set up his team. 

Manchester United have not been handed the luxury of a game against a lower league side where they can afford to play multiple fringe or youth players. It will have to be quite a strong XI to progress. 

In goal, it feels as simple as going with Senne Lammens. Although cup keepers are often a thing, it feels too risky. Plus, keepers simply need less rest and rotation than outfield players often need.  

Regardless of the manager, United will likely play a back four. Continuity in defence is important, so making just one change seems best. 

Indeed, Leny Yoro, in for Ayden Heaven, feels smart. The latter is having an impressive campaign, but has had a couple of difficult moments lately, and taking him out of the firing line feels right. With Yoro coming back in, there is a balance of having the right footer at centre-back. Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw should all keep their place.

In midfield, this feels like an opportunity to give Kobbie Mainoo his first start since the infamous Carabao Cup tie with Grimsby Town. With all of the recent noise, there will be a lot of expectation for a big performance. 

Meanwhile, the likely partner will be Manuel Ugarte. Although the Uruguayan has disappointed with his performances at Old Trafford, there is not much of an alternative. At 33, Casemiro has played a lot of football lately and probably needs a rest. For all of his flaws, Ugarte can cover more ground for Mainoo, too.  

After an impressive cameo against Burnley, where he hit the woodwork, Shea Lacey could come into the XI here. It is clear that Matheus Cunha is not a winger. With Amad Diallo at AFCON and Bryan Mbeumo (now out of the competition) playing on Friday, why not go with Lacey?

In the ten role, there is no reason not to start Bruno Fernandes. Having been injured for a few weeks, he hasn't had his usual workload recently, so it feels sensible to give him at least an hour on Sunday. 

Off to the left, we should expect to see Patrick Dorgu once again. The Danish international provided an assist in midweek from that position, so it feels sensible to stick with that continuity down that side. 

Up front, it would feel very harsh not to give Benjamin Sesko another start after his two goals at Turf Moor. One of his goals came from a superbly shaped run and a very well taken finish from a Dorgu cross, so trying to continue with those dynamics feels like the play.

With no European football and an early Carabao Cup exit, there is less need for rotation than other sides. If United are knocked out tomorrow, they will finish the season having played just 40 matches in all competitions this season.  

Possible XI vs Brighton: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Ugarte; Lacey, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko.

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