Hughton: Mour good for game
BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton is backing the way Jose Mourinho has handled his squad at Old Trafford – and insists the Special One is still a huge plus for the English game.
Mourinho brings his Manchester United team to the Amex today under increasing pressure for the way he has dealt with star man Paul Pogba and for his constant moaning over a lack of signings.
But Hughton said: “The top managers – and Jose is absolutely a top manager – are top managers for a reason.
“They are high-profile managers and have to manage their business, their players, their club, the best way they see.
“In the end, it’s about what results they get. And Jose gets far more good results than bad results.
“I have nothing but admiration for Jose and he does a lot for the game in England, too. He’s a great supporter of the League Managers’ Association.”
Hughton, who led Brighton to a 1-0 victory over United the last time they met in May, believes it is important to keep the Special One in England.
“Jose is a huge plus for our game and for the Premier League – and will continue to be so,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brighton defender Shane Duffy is preparing himself for a battle with United’s Romelu Lukaku – if the striker starts at the Amex.
Lukaku was left on the bench for United’s opening game against Leicester.
But Irishman Duffy says he will be ready – whether it’s Lukaku or Marcus Rashford up against him.
“He is world-class and he’s the main point for their team,” he said. “But we played against them with Rashford up top last season and beat them 1-0.”
Brighton are without injured defender Bruno so new signing Martin Montoya could start.