Man United 1-2 Brighton: View from the press box
Reaction from Brighton’s FA Cup third round win at Manchester United
Fabian Hurzeler admits he's in daily dialogue with Danny Welbeck on his fitness after his stunning strike against Manchester United.
Welbeck netted the decisive second goal as he arrowed a left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the top corner.
It added to Brajan Gruda's first half strike and reduced Benjamin Šeško’s late header to a mere consolation.
Welbeck, 35, has managed a lower back injury of late and this was his first start since the 2-2 draw at West Ham, where he scored and missed a penalty.
"We had a daily exchange," said Hurzeler after the match
"And I think it's very important to get his thoughts, and the thoughts from the medical team. They managed him well so far, and in the end it's my decision.
"But overall we know that he always wants to play, but in certain moments you need to manage the player well. You need to manage his health, because it's a long season.
"It's a busy season and therefore I'm quite pleased how the medical department managed it so far.
"I know that Danny wants to play every game, but in certain moments you need to take responsibility for that."
Eight goals for Welbeck against Man United
Welbeck has now scored eight times for Brighton against his former club and his latest at Old Trafford took his tally to nine for the season in all competitions.
"To describe him best is to say that he's a role model on the pitch," Hurzeler added.
"Role model beside the pitch, great connector in the team. He prepares well for training, regenerates well afterwards, he's a role model for all the young players.
“I think he proved at that time that he's a great goalscorer.
“He's there in the right moment, I think he missed a big chance in the first half, but good goalscorers never give up.
“They're always ready, and the moment we needed him, he was there."
The draw for the FA Cup fourth round will be on Monday night.
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