Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be out to end the club’s torrid away form against Brighton when the two teams lock horns in their Premier League clash on Tuesday night. The Red Devils have failed to win on their last three visits to the south coast. And with United fighting Chelsea for Champions League qualification, Solskjaer knows his side need all three points.
Manchester United have been in fine form under Solskjaer ever since the club’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool back in January.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 14 matches under the Norwegian across all competitions – their best form since he took charge on a permanent basis in March 2019.
United have impressed since football resumed following the coronavirus crisis, drawing against Tottenham and battling to victories against Sheffield United and Norwich City at Old Trafford.
But, now, they’ll have to overcome their poor record against Brighton over the years.
United have failed to win on their last three visits to the south coast, last emerging victorious when they met in the FA Cup in 1983.
In 1992, Brighton and United played out a 1-1 draw in their League Cup clash with David Wallace on target for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
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Glenn Murray put the hosts in front with 25 minutes on the clock, with Shane Duffy then doubling their lead two minutes later.
United pulled one back through Romelu Lukaku only for Pascal Gross then restoring Brighton’s two-goal advantage.
And while Paul Pogba scored a late penalty it wasn’t enough, with Mourinho cutting a subdued and frustrated figure at the final whistle.
While United’s form on the south coast has been poor in recent years, however, they have won their last two matches against Brighton.
Solskjaer masterminded a 2-1 win over Brighton last term, with Pogba and Marcus Rashford both finding the net on a difficult afternoon.
And United cruised to a 3-1 victory earlier in the season courtesy of goals from Andreas Pereira, Scott McTominay and Rashford.
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Meanwhile, speaking ahead of tonight’s game, Solskjaer admitted it would be a tough ask to finish in the top four with seven matches to go.
He said: “I think there are many teams for that battle for third and fourth, Leicester, Chelsea, us, Wolves doing really well, Tottenham, Arsenal and Sheffield United want to put a run together and put a challenge in there.
“It’s exciting for fans, we’ve been waiting for football that matters, we want fans in the stadiums but at least now we can sit back and watch some exciting games.”
On the importance on Champions League football, he added: “I think every year you’re in the Champions League is a great experience, for the players it’s a step forward, for us it’s what we’re striving to do winning trophies and we need to focus on one game at a time.
“And there are so many teams that want that place, can’t get distracted about looking too far ahead and onto the next one.”
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