Solsjkaer hugely respectful of the gritty Seagulls
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United’s players are approaching the clash against Brighton with “bright eyes” given their admiration for a side capable of making their life difficult today. Three weeks on from narrowly beating highflying West Ham 1-0, the second-placed Red Devils finally return to Premier League action today when the Seagulls arrive at Old Trafford. Brighton are six points clear of the relegation zone after thrashing struggling Newcastle United 3-0 before the international break, when Graham Potter’s side finally got the kind of result their positive play has deserved. Solskjaer says those performances have caught the eye at United, who needed a contentious Bruno Fernandes penalty that was taken after the final whistle to seal a 3-2 win at the Amex in September. “Since I came we’ve played them quite a few times and we’ve always had some hard-fought games, difficult games,” Solskjaer said. “When you prepare for a game against Brighton you can see all our players with bright eyes as they respect the way they play and the quality they’ve had against us. “We know that we have to be on our best to earn the right to play because you have to work hard to get the ball off them.”
David De Gea started the Premier League win in East Sussex, with Dean Henderson getting the nod for the 3-0 Carabao Cup win at the Amex just days later.
The latter has started United’s last six matches after the Spain international returned to his homeland for the birth of his first child, with Solskjaer facing a “difficult decision” as to who to start.
“The two keepers will be needed in these last nine plus hopefully five more games,” Solskjaer said. “Both know we value them both highly.
“It’s a difficult decision to leave one of them out.”
Solskjaer currently has doubts over three forwards.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood returned to training on Friday, but need assessing after Saturday’s session, while a reported knee injury picked up on international duty with France means Anthony Martial is a doubt.
Victor Lindelof also needs assessing to see if he can form part of a defence that will almost certainly include Aaron Wan-bissaka.
The 23-year-old rightback has played in all but two of United’s Premier League matches this season and Solskjaer believes he is making impressive strides.
“I think he’s done well and his improvement has been there for all to see,” Solskjaer said.