Manchester United v Brighton: The key points from Chris Hughton's pre-match press conference

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton spoke to the press this afternoon ahead of Saturday's Premier League match at Manchester United.
Chris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting PhotographyChris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting Photography
Chris Hughton. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Hughton discussed how United are a different proposition to earlier in the season, their form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the January transfer window, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the Leeds Spygate story and more.

Here are the key points from the pre-match press conference.

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Are Manchester United a different proposition to what you faced earlier in the season?

"I think so.

"Having watched their most recent games and I was there at Tottenham last weekend, where I thought they were very good but probably Spurs were better second half and should have got something from the game.

"But they were very good. Seeing their recent games, they are playing a way that allows the quality and pace in their side and they look like they can score goals.

"They're aggressive in the way they are pressing, so at this moment they are in really good form which makes it a more difficult task for us."

The job Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done

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"You can only assess from the time that he took over. I don't like to speak about anything in the past.

"The results speak for themselves. They have been able to win games and look like scoring goals and playing really well.

"Probably any manager coming in after Mourinho, I don't think they could have expected any more from anybody that would have come in."

What did the win over Manchester United in August do for Brighton's season?

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"We had two very good results at the Amex, one was towards the end of last season to secure our status in the division and the one this season kick-started our season after a very poor performance at Watford.

"Both were very significant results because of the timing but also because you're playing one of the best teams in the country and getting that type of result.

"It can't do anything but lift you as a team."

Brighton's away form this season

"I think the performances have been better. What you'll always look for is that enough good performances will get you enough good results.

"Have the results been as good as what we would want? No they're not.

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"Have the performances? Yes. We can only assess on the challenges we had last season and we're better away from home than what we were last season.

"Ultimately it's about getting as many points as possible and still for our level of club, points away from home are going to be more difficult, particularly when you go to the likes of Old Trafford."

Leeds Spygate story

“It's obviously been very much in the news the last few days and there will be lots of opinions.

“It's not something that I have ever done and I don't think it's right. But everybody will think differently and everybody will have their own views on it.

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“Probably the most important factors are what the coach has said himself - there was of course a statement that came out from Leeds United - and I suppose the individual clubs that have been at the other end of it. They will be the important views.

“As far as I know he hasn't broken any rules or any laws and those decisions on how far you want to take things will always be individual decisions. There will be lots of managers who think in different ways."

Do you need to be brave when you play the top six away?

"Yes, bravery, quality and certainly we'll need that bit of luck and fortune, things to go your way but ultimately you have to play well enough.

"That can be by allowing yourself to play a way that's a little bit open in areas to match them.

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"But when you are playing up against a team in such good form, you know as a team you will have to defend well and will have to have a good structure and play well on the ball and give yourself chances to win the game."

Jahanbakhsh back in action at the Asian Cup

"From a selfish point of view we would want our two players here back as quick as possible but also you want them to do well. That's the other side.

"Jahanbakhsh hadn't played for a little while before he went as he went through an injury. The games will do him well and ultimately that will be good for us.

"Maty is a little bit different because he has been playing regularly for us and we're watching it very closely."

Injury updates

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"Bernardo will miss out again as will (Jose) Izquierdo. Bissouma, who missed last week's game against Liverpool, we'll know about tomorrow.

"If he trains tomorrow, he'll have a chance of being involved but if he doesn't train he'll miss the weekend as well."

Transfer window ins and outs

"The only one who would go out on loan would be (Markus) Suttner.

"That's probably the only one I see, although (Ezequiel) Schelotto is another one who will possibly go out on loan.

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"As regards anybody coming in, at this moment I don't see anything happening."

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