ShareMichael Carrick’s tenure as official head coach of Manchester United starts with a strangely irrelevant game – but opponents Brighton and Hove Albion still have European football to fight for.By Karl MatchettIt’s a job well done for the former midfielder at Old Trafford, even as it’s now only a job getting started. Carrick certainly rescued the Red Devils from mediocrity to claim a Champions League place, with third a guarantee before the final day.One eye on the futureCasemiro has played his last game for Manchester United, as confirmed by Carrick, so in defence, the manager might be considering looking at who his preferred partnership will be going forward. Discussions have no doubt taken place already over where he wants to strengthen across the summer transfer window, meaning a final chance this term for some to impress.Is Ayden Heaven to be a go-to starter? Has Lenny Yoro missed the boat entirely? Will Harry Maguire, fresh from World Cup squad distress, still be a leaned-on figure for next term and beyond? Nothing is definitive over one game, but with little at stake, that’s where Carrick’s mind must now turn for United’s future. Senne Lammens has earned the gloves but ahead of him still sits confusion.Europa or Conference?Brighton have much more at stake – they could be in the Europa League next season, the Conference League or nothing at all. A result is required and even a point might not be enough if Chelsea and Brentford both find big final day performances. Whisper it, but in a very specific scenario where Aston Villa slip to fifth, Bournemouth lose, and Brighton win to go sixth, that position would mean Champions League football for the Seagulls!Fabian Hürzeler has turned matters around significantly, going from a mid-season winless slump to a new contract – and he’ll want that to start by securing continental football next term. Brighton have only lost three at home this term and concede fewer than one per game on average at the Amex – a big last effort could make next year an exciting one to look forward to.Recent formOne defeat in eight from the end of February to the end of April put Brighton back in contention, but it’s one win and two defeats in their last three – or three wins on the bounce at home if you’re an optimist.United have only lost once in eight all told and once in nine on the road – but have also only one win in their last four away from home.Team newsKaoru Mitoma is out and right-back Mats Wieffer is the doubt for Brighton.Benjamin Šeško is United’s only injury worry, with Matthijs de Ligt out after surgery and missing the World Cup.Key playerFrom the perspective of Brighton needing a result, Mitoma’s absence is big – much is now needed from Yankuba Minteh, the team’s other dribble-merchant with speed. He ranks in the Premier League’s top ten percent for wingers by successful dribbles per 90, but also for touches in the box and successful crosses. They’ll need a few to pose a regular goal threat.Recent H2H resultsPredictionThe Seagulls to spoil Carrick’s big day and get a south coast party started in anticipation of some tremendous trips next term: Brighton 2-1 Man United.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.Michael Carrick’s tenure as official head coach of Manchester United starts with a strangely irrelevant game – but opponents Brighton and Hove Albion still have European football to fight for.By Karl MatchettIt’s a job well done for the former midfielder at Old Trafford, even as it’s now only a job getting started. Carrick certainly rescued the Red Devils from mediocrity to claim a Champions League place, with third a guarantee before the final day.One eye on the futureCasemiro has played his last game for Manchester United, as confirmed by Carrick, so in defence, the manager might be considering looking at who his preferred partnership will be going forward. Discussions have no doubt taken place already over where he wants to strengthen across the summer transfer window, meaning a final chance this term for some to impress.Is Ayden Heaven to be a go-to starter? Has Lenny Yoro missed the boat entirely? Will Harry Maguire, fresh from World Cup squad distress, still be a leaned-on figure for next term and beyond? Nothing is definitive over one game, but with little at stake, that’s where Carrick’s mind must now turn for United’s future. Senne Lammens has earned the gloves but ahead of him still sits confusion.Europa or Conference?Brighton have much more at stake – they could be in the Europa League next season, the Conference League or nothing at all. A result is required and even a point might not be enough if Chelsea and Brentford both find big final day performances. Whisper it, but in a very specific scenario where Aston Villa slip to fifth, Bournemouth lose, and Brighton win to go sixth, that position would mean Champions League football for the Seagulls!Fabian Hürzeler has turned matters around significantly, going from a mid-season winless slump to a new contract – and he’ll want that to start by securing continental football next term. Brighton have only lost three at home this term and concede fewer than one per game on average at the Amex – a big last effort could make next year an exciting one to look forward to.Recent formOne defeat in eight from the end of February to the end of April put Brighton back in contention, but it’s one win and two defeats in their last three – or three wins on the bounce at home if you’re an optimist.United have only lost once in eight all told and once in nine on the road – but have also only one win in their last four away from home.Team newsKaoru Mitoma is out and right-back Mats Wieffer is the doubt for Brighton.Benjamin Šeško is United’s only injury worry, with Matthijs de Ligt out after surgery and missing the World Cup.Key playerFrom the perspective of Brighton needing a result, Mitoma’s absence is big – much is now needed from Yankuba Minteh, the team’s other dribble-merchant with speed. He ranks in the Premier League’s top ten percent for wingers by successful dribbles per 90, but also for touches in the box and successful crosses. They’ll need a few to pose a regular goal threat.Recent H2H resultsPredictionThe Seagulls to spoil Carrick’s big day and get a south coast party started in anticipation of some tremendous trips next term: Brighton 2-1 Man United.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.