Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has issued praise for one exciting Manchester United star ahead of their third-round FA Cup clash this weekend.
Manchester United shift their focus to the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, with Darren Fletcher’s side set to host Brighton at Old Trafford.
The Reds have already played 22 competitive fixtures this season, 21 of which have come in the Premier League, alongside a Carabao Cup second-round exit at the hands of Grimsby Town. The start of a new competition therefore offers a refreshing change of pace.
In the wake of Rúben Amorim’s sacking on Monday, United were held to a 2-2 draw against Burnley on Wednesday night. Despite dropping points, there were encouraging signs, including two goals from Benjamin Šeško and a brief but notable appearance from 18-year-old Shea Lacey.
Brighton’s visit comes amid ongoing uncertainty at Old Trafford, with the club still seeking a caretaker manager to lead the team through to the end of the 2025/26 season. Former United figures Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick are reportedly among the frontrunners for the role.
Brighton boss Hurzeler believes one United star ‘has everything’
Benjamin Šeško comes into this FA Cup tie full of confidence after scoring his first brace for the club against Burnley.
The 22-year-old striker has experienced difficulties since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer but looked at his best in that clash, and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is fully aware of his abilities.
“Yes, I followed him [in Germany]. I think he can be a big player for United. He has everything that a really good striker needs,” the Brighton manager said of Šeško.
“He’s very strong, physically strong. He’s fast. He can score with his head. He is technical, can find good solutions in tight spaces. I like him as a player.
“I think he didn’t have the easiest start, but against Burnley it was impressive what he showed. So we definitely have to take care of him, but not only of him, they have other really good players, especially the offensive players.
“I know they’re still missing some players because of the Africa Cup of Nations. But they still have enough quality to hurt every opponent in the league. It’s not only Sesko, there are a lot of players who can make the difference. So we need to prepare for all of them.”
Šeško will benefit from formation change
For Šeško’s first goal at Burnley he was fed in behind by Bruno Fernandes, who received the ball between the lines and further up the pitch.
That is one of the reasons why Šeško could be one of the players to benefit most from the change of shape under Fletcher and whoever takes over next. He will be hoping to build on his relationship with United’s best creator.
The Reds also seem to be learning how to play with the Slovenian international, and more crosses are being put into the box. Patrick Dorgu set up his second goal against Burnley with a lovely cross.
He will be hoping to build some positive form against Brighton but Hurzeler is fully aware of the striker’s threat and will be warning his defenders about it.
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