Fabian Hurzeler explains why facing United will be a big challenge for Brighton

Manchester United will be hoping to put the disappointment of the Manchester derby defeat behind them when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup Third Round on Wednesday. The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss at home on Sunday at the hands of their bitter rivals, who played for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden’s early red card.

The defeat was United’s second in four Premier League games this season, and has led to questions about Michael Carrick’s future. While recent reports suggest that the Premier League giants are keeping their faith in the Englishman, they will be expecting a response this week.

The Red Devils begin their EFL Cup campaign by hosting the Seagulls at Old Trafford. Brighton knocked them out of the FA Cup in the Third Round last season, so United will be looking to exact revenge.

The Seagulls, though, will not be any pushovers, as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table after four games, with two wins and just one defeat. They have also scored 13 goals in the league so far, the most in the English top flight. Manager Fabian Hurzeler has now explained what he is expecting from United on Wednesday.

Hurzeler expecting United to react

Speaking to the press, as cited by Metro, Hurzeler said he expects United to react after their weekend defeat to City. He said: “We expect a strong Manchester United, we expect a team that definitely wants to react after their defeat.”

“I think every team wants to react after a loss.Therefore, I think that’s a big challenge for us, that we’re ready for this.”

Hurzeler, however, preferred to focus on his team, insisting that Brighton will be heading to Old Trafford with a view to winning the game. He continued: “I think it’s really about us as well, how we step into the game. For me, it’s very important that we show the belief that we go there to win this game.”

“It’s important we show our style of play, our qualities, that we stick to our principles. I think that’s the main bit, that we have to have the right mindset and then we only can control how we play, how we start the game, how we do the small margins right. That’s the main things that we have to focus on.”

On the weekend’s VAR debacle

United’s 1-0 defeat to City was marred by controversy, with VAR overruling an offside call on Erling Haaland’s goal and allowing it to stand. The Red Devils have since received an official apology from the professional referee’s body, while VAR official Matthew Donohue has been stood down.

Reflecting on the controversy, Hurzeler said: “I always said that VAR makes football more fair. That’s proven. Of course there are moments like at the weekend where it’s not ideal, it’s definitely not ideal and things like this shouldn’t happen.”

“But in the end it happens. What is important is that it will never happen again, I think that’s the main bit.There’s always big discussions about VAR. It takes away a little bit the emotions, it takes away a little bit the rhythm of the game.”

“It’s definitely part of it but it’s also proven it makes the game more fair, that there are less wrong decisions.There are pros and cons. Everyone has their opinion, in the end we have to accept it like it is and focus on the things we can control, and that’s how the team will play.”

Final Thoughts

United exited the EFL Cup in the Second Round last season at the hands of League Two minnows Grimsby Town. Carrick cannot afford a repeat of that experience against the Seagulls this week.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images