Graham Potter believes “it says a lot” that he was asked whether Brighton could compete with Manchester United for a European place this season.
Brighton’s 2-0 win at Watford on Saturday, which extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven games, saw them move seven points behind United ahead of tomorrow night’s clash at Old Trafford.
When asked whether the Seagulls could mount a later surge for a European place at United’s expense. The fact that Potter was even asked such a question spoke volumes about where Manchester United currently are as a football club.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Brighton boss Potter said: “It says a lot that all of a sudden we’re spoken about as a competitor of Manchester United’s but the reality of both clubs is very different,” he added.
“They have got a squad of world-class players but we will go there, try and play our football as we want to play and if we act as we did on Saturday then we give ourselves a chance.”
Instead of competing with our fiercest rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, Brighton could move to within four points of the Red Devils with a game in hand, if they win at Old Trafford tomorrow night.
There is no denying, Potter has done an incredible at Brighton and has them playing an attractive style of football which will no doubt result in him being courted and linked with some of the biggest jobs in the Premier league.
But the Seagulls are only in their fifth full season in the Premier League and it says more about United that Brighton could potentially be seen as a “competitor” for a European place.
In his pre-match press conference, Potter spoke respectfully about United and Rangnick.
He said: “Regardless of the narrative around United, you only need to look at the players they have and Old Trafford. The crowd is so powerful there.
“I have huge respect for Ralf Rangnick. He’s an experienced football person and I’m an admirer from afar.
“I look forward to meeting him.”
The former Swansea manager has lost all five of his previous meetings against Manchester United.
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