Brighton boss admits his team “has to prepare” for specific Man United tactical change

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that his team “has to prepare” for a specific Manchester United tactical change in their Premier League clash this weekend.

The Reds returned to England earlier this month after their pre-season tour to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Although they were defeated on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time, Erik ten Hag’s side could draw many positives from their performance.

They kicked off their Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford last week, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring on his debut for the club.

Now, the attention turns to Brighton, who won their opening game of the season against Everton 3-0 under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

The 31-year-old was asked how he would approach the potential adjustment of the United frontline in his pre-match press conference, with Zirkzee providing a different prospect to Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes playing as false-nines.

“There’s a difference when Zirkzee is playing,” he responded, as per BeanymanSports. “He’s a target player. Of course, when Mount and Bruno Fernandes are playing as a striker, they play more like a false nine.

“So, of course, they’re like differences, and we have to prepare for both. We have to be clear what is our plan when they come in this formation or that formation.

“That is our job to be the best-prepared team we can be, and that’s what we try to do in the next two days.”

While Zirkzee actually showed in the win over Fulham that he is comfortable in those false-nine positions, he will undoubtedly provide differences to the two attacking midfielders.

Ten Hag could also make further changes to his backline, with Matthijs de Ligt, who appeared off the bench against Fulham, possibly making his full debut for the club.

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