'Hurzeler’s Seagulls found a way to win'published at 12:40
Scott McCarthy
Fan writer
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Fabian Hurzeler is only two games into life as the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history, but already the rest of English football is paying him and Brighton a great deal of respect.
Take Erik ten Hag for example. The Manchester United manager had clearly spent a lot of time scratching his head while formulating a plan to best stop the Albion by nullifying their wingers.
Not so long ago, United would have turned up at the Amex and simply believed their own way and quality would be enough to roll over Brighton.
Not anymore. The mighty Manchester United view the Seagulls as a threat and have to adapt accordingly. The result was Kaoru Mitoma and Yankubu Minteh being kept quiet by the excellent Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui for the most part.
Last season, this would have been a major problem. Roberto De Zerbi was often accused of no Plan B.
In contrast, Hurzeler’s Seagulls found a way to win despite having their main supply line shutdown. The head coach made the right changes at precisely the right time, culminating in substitutes Julio Enciso, Yasin Ayari and Simon Adingra all playing a part in the build up to Joao Pedro’s 95th-minute winner.
If Brighton want to return to Europe in 2025-26, taking points off clubs like United also likely to be in the battle for a sixth place finish is vital. More shrewd management like this from Hurzeler across the remaining 36 games and he could become the youngest permanent manager in Europa League history.
Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external
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