Manchester United kick-start this season’s FA Cup campaign this weekend against Brighton, and ahead of the game Fabian Hurzeler has cast praise towards one of Darren Fletcher’s likely starters.
In an all-Premier League third round tie, Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford and for interim boss Darren Fletcher it is a must-win.
Fletcher remains in charge of United for this one, despite Ineos being deep in talks over who will arrive as the caretaker manager to see out the 2025/26 season, and he knows victory is needed.
United only managed to draw 2-2 with Burnley, with defeat here making it four without a win heading into the Manchester derby, while also denying the Red Devils a cup run.
Remaining in the FA Cup could be key, with the caretaker manager having the chance at silverware, while it would also be a welcome boost to morale.
Now, ahead of the game, the Brighton manager has been speaking to the media and had praise for one player.
What is your favourite FA Cup memory and do you think Man Utd can go all the way in 2025/26?
Fabian Hurzeler praises Benjamin Sesko ahead of FA Cup battle
This won’t be the first time the two clubs have met this season, with United beating Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford back in October.
However, it will be a drastically different game with Ruben Amorim now gone. Speaking to the media, Hurzeler discussed United, and has picked out Benjamin Sesko for praise.
When asked about the United striker, he said: “Strong, fast, scores with his head, he is technical, finds good solutions in tight spaces. I like him as a player.”
“He can be a big player for Manchester United. He has everything that a really good striker needs. I followed him (in Germany). I liked him as a player.
“I think he didn’t have that easy start, but against Burnley it was impressive what he showed so we definitely have to take care of him.”
Hurzeler also picked out Sesko in October, which shows that he is a big fan of what the Slovenian brings.
This comes days after Sesko scored twice for United against Burnley, indicating the future is very bright in a better attacking system.
Benjamin Sesko might be part of youthful attack for Manchester United vs Brighton
Sesko was the big winner against Burnley, looking like a different player freed from Amorim’s system which isolated him in games.
Fletcher hailed Sesko’s performance and explained he had tried to advise the young forward on positions he should be taking up in attack.
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Well against Brighton, Sesko might be required to be an experienced head, as Shea Lacey could potentially start, while there are also calls for JJ Gabriel to get minutes.
If Fletcher embraces the youth in this one, we might even see a front three of this trio, which would be a glimpse of the future.
Sesko will be hoping for another game like he had against Burnley, with plenty of chances created for him to add to his goal tally.
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