Afternoon ladies and gents. This is a day that Brighton's fans and players have been looking forward to since their promotion to the Premier League - a big trip to the famous Old Trafford. They are in good form on the road, so can they cause a huge upset against Manchester United today?

Brighton have never won at the Theatre of Dreams, and may have picked a bad day to run into a United team that should be highly motivated after a surprise Champions League defeat in midweek. They also have an opportunity to close the gap on Man City, who don't play until tomorrow.

MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea; Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Young; Matic, Pogba; Martial, Mata, Rashford, Lukaku
Subs: Romero, Rojo, Fellaini, Herrera, McTominay, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic

BRIGHTON: Ryan; Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, March; Gross, Murphy
Subs: Krul, Goldson, Schelotto, Kayal, Izquierdo, Brown, Hemed

After making some changes in midweek, Mourinho reverts to the same starting XI which beat Newcastle 4-1 last weekend. Paul Pogba starts in midfield and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on the bench again.

Henrik Mkhitaryan is also among the substitutes for the hosts despite Mourinho speaking less than glowingly about the Armenian this week. The exciting and pacey forward three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku keep him out of the starting lineup.

With Eric Bailly and Phil Jones still in the treatment room, Victor Lindelof makes successive starts in the Premier League, even with Marcos Rojo, who was a favourite of Mourinho last season, fit again.

Young midfielder Scott McTominay has been linked with a loan move to Rangers in January, but Mourinho is continuing to involve the academy graduate in and around the first team. He makes the bench while the likes of Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw and Jesse Lingard all miss out.

For some reason, Old Trafford does seem to be a hotbed for half-and-half scarves. Eurgh...

Let's get them 3 points!! Cmon united!! @ManUtd #RedArmy #mufc #MUFCFamily #mufcfanpics pic.twitter.com/eGSUJOeU58 — Barathan Jayden (@BarathanJayden) November 25, 2017

Brighton manager Chris Hughton has made one change from the side which twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Stoke City on Monday evening. Jose Heriberto Izquierdo, who has two goals in his last four games, is dropped to the bench as Solly March returns to the side.

Centre-back pairing Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk have been widely praised for their performance this season, and today will be another big test as they come up against Lukaku, and possibly Ibrahimovic. One thing is for sure - both of the Brighton boys will be up for the challenge.

Glenn Murray's form is keeping Tomer Hemed out of the side, and the former Crystal Palace striker, who has four in four games, leads the line again this afternoon. He will be looking to pin himself up against Lindelof, who has made a shaky start to life with the Red Devils.

Supplying Murray is the responsibility of Pascal Gross, who has been one of the signings of the summer. The German has scored three goals and provided five assists this season, meaning that he has played a role in 62% of Brighton's league goals. Only Swansea's Tammy Abraham (71%) can beat that.

They are getting into the festive spirit at Old Trafford, and Mourinho will be ho-ho-hoping (sorry) that Pogba can have the same influence that he had on his return from a two-month layoff against Newcastle last weekend. The Frenchman looked like he had never been away, scoring one and assisting another.

Getting in the festive spirit at Old Trafford! 🎄

Share your own matchday pics with #RedArmy. pic.twitter.com/yYh9HY6PIl — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2017

Pogba's withdrawal against Basel after 65 minutes seemed to be where it all went wrong for the Red Devils. It was surprising that Mourinho even risked the £89m man considering how important he is to getting Manchester United playing their best, and had only just come back from injury.

In the absence of Michael Carrick, who released the below statement about his fitness this week, Pogba is the one United midfielder who can get the ball quickly to Lukaku and company in dangerous areas. It is a dangerous front three regardless, and all the more threatening with Lukaku in behind.

Here is a statement in relation to my recent fitness. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/RN3TOE9VT4 — Michael Carrick (@carras16) November 24, 2017

Hughton gave a good idea of how his Brighton side will approach this game at his pre-match press conference.

He told reporters: "There aren't many teams at our level that are going to go there and win. You've got to play at a very high level and you've certainly got to have that bit of luck that goes with a win away from home at any one of the big clubs."

However, Brighton have already proven themselves capable of pulling off excellent results on the road in the Premier League, which is where promoted clubs often struggle. They have beaten West Ham United and Swansea City on their last two away days, keeping clean sheets in both wins.

The Seagulls are unbeaten over their last five matches, a run which has helped them into the top half of the table. This start to the season will have been beyond Hughton's wildest dreams, but his teams have come unstuck against their two elite opponents - Arsenal and Man City - so far.

United's recent record at Old Trafford suggests that Brighton may be put in their place again this afternoon. The Red Devils are unbeaten in 38 home games in all competitions, and have won their last 18 home matches against teams who have come up from the Championship.

Another game without defeat today would see Mourinho's side move to within one of matching the 25-game unbeaten home league run that United set under Sir Alex Ferguson over 2010 and 2011.

United's defence had not conceded a league goal on their own patch this season until Dwight Gayle's strike for Newcastle last weekend. The goal only seemed to anger the Red Devils as they came from behind to win 4-1, so Brighton might want to save their goals until a little later in the game!

Just over 15 minutes until kickoff in Manchester, where it is definitely a warm bovril at half time weather!

Do you reckon these United-supporting kids know who Bruno is?

#BHAFC captain Bruno signing autographs for supporters after coming down the tunnel at Old Trafford. 🖋️⚽️ #MUNBHA pic.twitter.com/J5CiUr86rZ — BHAFC ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) November 25, 2017

HEAD TO HEAD: These two teams meeting in the league for the first time since a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in March 1983. The most recent encounter was won 1-0 by United in an FA Cup fourth-round home match in January 1993.

Brighton have only ever beaten United once in 16 games in all competitions - 1-0 at home in November 1982. Most people will have this one down as a home banker but Hughton's side are tough, organised and possess a goal threat. They do not roll over for anybody.

One of the keys to Brighton's good start to the season has been the consistency of team selection. Six players - including both centre-backs and central midfielders - have started all 12 league games. Goalkeeper Matt Ryan and Gross are the other two.

PREDICTION: United have been imperious at home and I expect they will continue their formidable record with another win today. It won't be easy - they will have to work hard for a 2-0 win.

The teams are about to emerge from the warmth of the tunnel. Just a reminder that we offering other live commentaries this afternoon. Check out our live commentaries section to take your pick.

Victory for United today will see them move to within five points of Manchester City, who travel to Huddersfield Town tomorrow. Mourinho will be hoping the Terriers can turn City over as they did his side.

KICKOFF! The action is underway at Old Trafford, which is still filling up...

CHANCE! Good early chance to Lukaku who comes to feet and works an opening on his left foot, only to slice a shot horribly high and wide. The Belgian ended a run of seven games without a goal against Newcastle.

© Offside

CLOSE! Knockaert has made a lively start and gives United a scare with a really dangerous cross-cum-shot after exchanging a one-two with Gross. Nobody was gambling at the back post though.

Before his time at Brighton, Hughton has a repuation for being a cautious manager - especially at Norwich - but the early stages here suggest that the Seagulls are going to have a go.

Mourinho will be worried by how easily Knockaert is isolating Ashley Young in one-on-one situations, which of course won't be the former winger's strength. Martial needs to give him support.

LATEST! There has been an early goal at Wembley where managerless West Brom have taken a shock lead over Tottenham through Salomon Rondon. That will please Mourinho, but he won't be happy with how his team have started here.

Great hold-up play from Murray on the halfway line eventually releases Knockaert down the right. This time Martial does get back to double up on the Frenchman and United halt the attack.

Pogba gets on the ball in the Brighton half for the first time and lines up a shot which is blocked by Stephens, and the ball loops up harmlessly for Ryan to come off his line and claim.

Brighton have looked dangerous down their right flank, but on the same side Martial and Young against 37-year-old Bruno is an area that United will look to exploit. Young gets down the wing on the overlap but his cross is headed away by Dunk.

Knockaert really seems in the mood today, running at Young and twisting and turning his way into the box. The reinvented winger looks uncomfortable but so far there has been little end product from the Brighton man.

Rashford and Lukaku started in a front two but the former has gone out to the right, with Martial on the left and Mata in the middle. That's a first mini-victory for Brighton and a testament to the way they have started this match.

© Offside

The visitors are continuing to hold their own here and so far goalkeeper Ryan has been untroubled. Can they sustain this level of performance for 90 minutes? Brighton started well against Man City earlier in the season before losing 2-0.

Young gets his chance to run at Knockaert and wins a free-kick under a clumsy challenge from the winger. United take it short rather than knock it into the box and nothing comes of it.

Brighton don't let a similar opportunity of their own pass by as Knockaert hits a free kick deep to the back post. Lukaku heads clear and Rashford counters, but the visitors get numbers back quickly.

United have enjoyed a good couple of minutes, with Pogba starting to get on the ball and dictate play. The rain is coming down hard now so that should help the Frenchman's slick passing.

Really good stuff from Brighton as Bruno releases Knockaert down the right. He cuts inside but Smalling does enough to prevent him from getting a shot away, and the layoff intended to Propper is picked off by Matic.

The Seagulls think they have a 3v1 counter-attacking opportunity from United's first corner of the game, but Murray is penalised by referee Neil Swarbrick for a push in the back of Young.

Valencia stands a cross up to the back post but Lukaku can only glance a header straight behind for a goal kick. The better crossing opportunity was Mata's a few moments earlier, but he passed up the opportunity and Brighton were able to get organised again.

Murray versus Lindelof has been a real battle so far and the lone Brighton frontman is making a real nuisance of himself playing up against the Swede, not giving him a moment's rest.

Gross drills a free kick from near the halfway line into the United box. It takes a flick on and Murray is so close to getting on the end of it with a diving header.

United scored two goals late in the first half against Brighton last week, but they look bereft of ideas here. There was a brief period when Pogba and Martial were getting on the ball, but the Seagulls have kept them quiet in the last 10 minutes.

Some silky dribbling helps Young get by Knockaert on the left edge of the area, but his cross is intercepted by Bruno.

Rashford crosses brilliantly into the six-yard box and Ryan punches the wet ball clear.

SAVE! United have their best chance yet on the stroke of half time as Lukaku's header forces a good save out of Ryan, who blocked with his legs from Pogba on the follow-up.

Brighton will be very pleased with that. They have been the better team, but did need their goalkeeper to make a massive double save on the stroke of half time to preserve the parity they deserve.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent to warm up late in that first half so I wonder whether we will see the Swede introduced at half time. Juan Mata is probably the player most likely to be sacrificed.

There is a couple of great individual battles going on at Old Trafford today - Knockaert versus Young down the Brighton right and Murray versus Lindelof. The Seagulls duo have got the better of those duels so far but their one concern will be that they haven't tested David de Gea.

Pogba has not been able to have the same influence as he did against Newcastle yet. Brighton have not let the Frenchman have the time and space he needs to really dictate play.

KICKOFF: The action resumes with both sides unchanged from the first half...

Outstanding play from Gross down the right as he turns away from Young and leaves him sprawled on the floor. The German's cross is into a great area but there is nobody on the end of it.

Lukaku has been coming very deep to make things happen, but it isn't his job to create. He needs to be asking more questions of Dunk and Duffy because so far he has shirked their presence.

Perhaps I was too quick to question Lukaku's creative ability because a clever flick around the corner nearly sent Rashford through one-on-one, but Ryan is off his line before the England forward can get there.

Referee Swarbrick has been happy to let a lot go this afternoon and that has played into Brighton's hands as it has allowed them to get up close and physical with the likes of Mata.

A wild swinger from Young's left foot flies wide and the Old Trafford fans are starting to get frustrated. They have stretched the Brighton defence more in this second half but are still struggling to engineer any clear-cut chances.

Brighton want play stopped with Knockaert down injured - although the challenge from Lindelof was a very good one - and cross into the box several times before Stephens can get hold of the ball and put it out of play.

YELLOW! Murray is the first player carded this afternoon for pushing the boundaries and getting over physical - his fourth yellow of the season which means he is one away from a suspension.

Knockaert has recovered from his earlier knock and his cross into a good area is cleared by Valencia. Brighton aren't getting as many bodies into the box as they were in the first half.

SUBSTITUTION: Zlatan is on for United, replacing the ineffective Mata.

Good dribbling and cross from Rashford but Duffy heads clear. With Lukaku and Zlatan on, United now have an extra target in the box.

Hughton may be thinking of fresh legs as Brighton appear to be flagging. Their counter-attacks have a bit less fizz about them and some of their passing is tired and short. United are coming back at them quicker than they have been.

Young gets the breakthrough for United, but Brighton deserve better than the slice of luck that has gone against them here. A corner - which should have been a goal kick - is cleared to Young and his left-footed shot takes a big deflection off Dunk to loop over Ryan and underneath the crossbar.

© Offside

Brighton have every right to feel aggreived but they can't feel sorry for themselves because United are going in for the kill now. Martial, Rashford, Lukaku and Zlatan are all pouring forward at will.

SUBSTITUTION: Martial is off for Mkhitaryan, who may be off himself soon to another club but is reintroduced to the first team by Mourinho this afternoon.

The Armenian's first contribution is not a good one as he runs the ball out of play and nearly trips into the advertising hoardings.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Murray and March are off for Brighton, with Tomer Hemed and Jose Izquierdo on.

Knockaert does superbly again to get to the right byline and he drills the ball across the goalline dangerously, but Izquierdo is too far behind play to be well placed at the back post.

Brighton's breaks have a bit more zip about them now with the subs on, and 37-year-old Bruno finds some energy to get down the right. Again, it is a brilliant cross into the six-yard box but no Brighton player is gambling.

SUBSTITUTION: Mourinho uses his final change to sacrifice Rashford for Marouane Fellaini. Pogba looks exhausted but his manager does not want to risk taking him off yet it seems.

United have been a great exponent of late goals this season, but Mourinho seems to be signalling his players to contain by parking Fellaini in front of the back four and instructing Young and Valencia to stay back.

Gross takes aim from range but Smalling blocks his speculative effort.

CHANCE! Duffy gets up at the back post to meet a deep free kick from Gross but can't angle his header on target.

It looks as though the Red Devils are going to see this out. If anything they look the more likely to score.

This might put the frighteners among United though. There will be FIVE minutes of added time.

United could have killed this game off a few minutes ago when Zlatan released Mkhitaryan into the box but the Armenian got the ball stuck under his feet. The Swede took a nasty hit from Duffy in the process but is back on his feet now.

They weren't at their best but that's a big three points for United. Huge credit to Brighton for making a real game of this and in the end it needed a massive deflection to separate the sides. On another day Chris Hughton's side could easily have been leaving Old Trafford with a point.

That's it from our Old Trafford, but our live coverage continues from Anfield where Liverpool entertain Chelsea in a thriller. Before that 5.30pm kickoff, read our match report from Old Trafford and catch up on the rest of the 3pm action in our results section. Thanks for joining us!