Man United 1-2 Brighton: View from the press box
All the reaction from Brighton's FA Cup third round win at Manchester United
Fabian Hurzeler has had a number of critics since arriving at Brighton in the summer of 2024.
The youngest ever permanent manager in Premier League history replaced Roberto De Zerbi, who previously guided Brighton to Europe before a decline led to is exit.
Hurzeler's arrival coincided with a remarkable £200m transfer spend that saw Brighton completely revamp their squad. The likes of Brajan Gruda, Mats Wieffer, Ferdi Kadioglu, Yankuba Minteh, Matt O’Riley and Geoginio all arrived
The new signings - many untested at Premier League level - gave Hurzeler options but also increased expectations. The German guided the Seagulls to a solid eighth place in his first season and so far this inconsistent campaign has been quite similar in terms of points gained.
Their 2-0 win in the Premier League against Burnley snapped a six-match winless run and a deserved draw at Manchester City lifted morale further and placed them 11th in the table. They are well clear of any relegation issues and just four points from top five.
All in all quite good but Hurzeler never seems to get an easy ride from some of the fans, while former Brighton and Palace striker Glenn Murray questioned Brighton's identity under the German.
It’s hard sometimes to put your finger on why some fans knock the young German. He’s smart and engaging, fully committed and wants his team to play fearless football against the footballing giants in the most competitive league in the world. He does a lot right.
The reaction to Hurzeler’s XI at Man Unuted was harsh
The reaction to his team line-up to face Manchester United at Old Trafford seemed quite harsh.
Hurzeler made six changes as squad players Jason Steele, Diego Coppola, Olivier Boscagli, Joel Veltman and Brajan Gruda all started. Kaoru Mitoma, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen were benched and the knives were out before a ball had been kicked.
It was a brave selection but ultimately the right one. Even if United had levelled at the end or gone ahead at the start, it would was still probably the right call.
Steele deservedly plays in the cups and what's the point of buying Coppola and Boscagli if they don't play at all. Both centre backs were very good at Old Trafford.
The Mitoma decision was understandable as the Japan international works his way back from an ankle injury.
Hurzeler has made mistakes, every manager does, he admits that but he has created a good team environment. Brighton may have lacked quality at times this term - especially in midfield - but the commitment and willingness to play for the manager does not seem to have faltered.
Brighton won yesterday against a disjointed Man United because they played a team. The workrate was there, the understanding of when to press and then the individual moments of quality.
Danny Welbeck take a bow
Danny Welbeck take a bow and credit also to Brajan Gruda. The Germany under-21 international has struggled at times but his goal and performance at Old Trafford could be a career-defining moment for him.
The return of Pascal Gross has also been significant. The experienced German played back to back 90 minutes at City and United and gives an assurance in the midfield that was previously lacking. Jack Hinshelwood, Yasin Ayari and Gomez provide the legs but Gross offers control.
This Hurzeler team looks to be taking shape and add-in a fully-fit Mitoma, a Yankuba Minteh and perhaps - just maybe - a motivated and fit Carlos Baleba, then this Brighton team can have a strong second half of the season.
Top six and a decent run in the cup could see Hurzeler get the credit he probably deserves.
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