Brighton, Aston Villa and Chelsea are in the race for Strasbourg's 23-year-old Ivory Coast right-back Guela Doue. (Football Transfers), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Joe Sayers
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is very easy to get caught up in the negativity after a loss, especially against a team we have historically done very well against.
But I would like to at least try to highlight a positive from this season so far to hopefully improve the mood.
Yasin Ayari, ever since coming into the side consistently last season, has grown in ability with almost every stride he has taken on the pitch. He is unafraid of challenges, demanding possession and progressing the ball forwards with great control.
Whilst he impressed during a couple of loan moves to the Championship during the 2023-24 season, not many would have expected him to come in and be one of the first names on the teamsheet just a few seasons later.
He has always shown an intelligence on the ball, but what has really stood out for me is his willingness to take responsibility in the middle of the park whilst going face-to-face with some of the best midfielders in the world.
He has got an incredible knack for finding pockets of space to exploit the opposition, and a brilliant intelligence to allow space to open up around him for more time to carve out bigger and better chances.
We are a club built on patience, and Ayari is the perfect example of why we should remain patient as we nurture more talent that will inevitably help us in the long run. It is worth remembering that our Swedish midfield general is still only 22, so there is so much more to come from him.
It is easy for outside eyes to miss Ayari with Carlos Baleba taking all of the headlines, but he brings such different qualities, provides a fantastic balance to our midfield and is often the catalyst that propels the team forwards.
Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wedneday's Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 19:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
James Milner has "suffered a small muscle issue" so is unavailable for the fourth-round tie. Kaoru Mitoma and Brajan Gruda "are getting closer" to a return but Wednesday's game will come too soon for them to feature.
He said they are "getting closer to having a bigger squad" again "which is a good thing" as Joel Veltman is also nearing a return.
On opponents Arsenal: "The table tells the truth. They are doing very well out of possession and from set pieces and they are very disciplined. It will be a big challenge for us."
He said "it is not just Gabriel" that is a threat for the Gunners from set pieces as "they do it very well together and have really good patterns". Hurzeler added: "On the other side, we are quite good in defending and we are quite confident that we are capable of defending against them."
He acknowledged how set pieces are "getting more important in the Premier League" and how they are also "trying to build a set-piece culture but that doesn't come overnight and it needs time".
On balancing squad rotation for the cup: "We have to believe and we really trust the young players because they are here for a reason. It is not about age, it is about quality but for sure you need a good balance in the team."
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
United fans
Dave: Three wins on the trot. Oooh the Devils are hotting up. There's so much more for opposition teams to fear with this new look squad. This could be the start of something good.
Bob: We were better, Brighton were terrible, hopefully because we are becoming harder to play against. The teamwork is finally showing but we still have a few players who aren't getting the message. Overall a massive improvement and plenty of hope there's more to come, which is the first time I've thought that for about 15 years.
Carl: The team worked very hard and pressed the ball well. We coped well with some strange decisions and did not let that spoil our flow. The seeds of improvement are there for all to see and we now just need to add consistency and who knows what we can achieve. Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko look a threat and we're growing defensively, long may it continue.
Brighton fans
Philip: Hurzeler has to take responsibility for this poor performance. Why keep playing Baleba when he is clearly out of form? When James Milner comes on the team respond positively time and time again. We must cut out the silly mistakes that have cost us many times this season and perhaps replace Dunk with Coppola. Looking like a mid-table season at best.
Tim: After a bright start, we gave the ball away in our own third time and time again and were inevitably punished for it. Our central midfield was non-existent with Baleba running around like a headless chicken and Ayari half asleep. We have to do something about our defensive weaknesses or the season will fall apart.
Tony: We were poor, far too many simple mistakes, giving the ball away time and time again. Baleba was awful and Minteh had his worse game of the season. Definitely a foul by Shaw before the third goal - no idea why VAR didn't intervene - but didn't really make a difference as we were so bad. One day we will keep a clean sheet!
David: Brighton never give up and almost stole a point. Hurzeler mad a big mistake in giving the defence an early day off. The one really good thing which we got from the game after that display and being poor in the last few games is Baleba must now be well down the Manchester United wanted list.
Pundits Michael Carrick and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United weren't that close to signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton this summer. There was no chance the Seagulls would sell the midfielder for anything like the kind of sum the Old Trafford outfit could afford.
His form dipped anyway for a short time but his poise has returned in recent games as Brighton have put together their unbeaten run, and he was eager to make an impact here.
It didn't happen though.
Baleba seemed spooked when an early mistake almost allowed Matheus Cunha to set up Bryan Mbeumo, and he never got to grips with the rest of the game.
Baleba was dominated in an area of the pitch where United are supposed to be weak. He was forced to bring countryman Mbeumo down after being caught out of possession and his only threat on the home goal was off target.
A night to forget was brought to an end after less than an hour when he was replaced by James Milner.
Baleba is a better player than he showed but as Old Trafford auditions go, it was not good.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat at Manchester United: "It is disappointing. We made too many mistakes and like this, you cannot win the game."
On whether he felt like something was in the game at 3-2: "I felt it all the time that there was something. We are consistently there. We worked hard, we had chances and they had chances but the main thing was after our too easy mistakes, it cost us energy. That energy, we missed it a little bit in the end."
On their own mistakes costing them: "In the end it is about execution and our execution wasn't right today. We made too many easy mistakes and we have to start in training, take every pass and every touch serious. We have to improve."
On responding from 3-0 down: "Like I said, the character was good, the personality was there and the belief was there. We never gave up but the main thing is, we made too easy mistakes. The rest, the plan and how we were structured was good but in the end you have to have the execution and that is something we missed today."
On whether Man Utd were more confident today: "I think they had confidence, we had confidence. We started in a 50/50 game like this. The atmosphere was loud today. The fans were loud today but we made them loud with our mistakes, that is also part of the truth and that is something we have to change."
On what is next for the group: "It is always about reflecting no matter if you win or lose. It is a young group and we have to analyse it, be honest and find the right solutions. That is always our approach and attitude after the games. Now, we have to keep working."
Brighton forward Danny Welbeck spoke to Sky Sports: "We are a bit gutted. There was part of the game early on where we dominated but a few silly mistakes led to goals. We are up against quality so they will punish you. It is learning curve of us. We showed great character at the end but it wasn't good enough.
"We put ourselves in a really difficult position. We have a great group and everyone is going to keep fighting whatever the score is. We got two goals and were closing to maybe getting a third. It didn't happen but it is a good sign we showed character.
"It is the best [Man Utd] side we have faced in a while. They were really organised and structure, they always have incredible players and today they really punished our mistakes. A difficult game but one we can look back and analyse. I do believe we can come here and get the three points.
"I'm feeling really good. Fit and strong, I'm glad to be among the goals and most important thing is trying to get the three points and I will keep on doing my best."
Did you know?
Welbeck has scored seven goals against United in all competitions, against no opponent has he scored more in his club career. Six of those have come in the Premier League which is the most a former player has netted against the Red Devils in the competition.
Brighton have had six goals scored by substitutes in the Premier League this season - double the number of any other side. 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas became Brighton's 10th different goalscorer in the competition this season with no side having more (level with Arsenal and Chelsea).
Listen to Hurzeler's post-match interview with BBC Radio Sussex on BBC Sounds
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on United's performance
What did you make of Brighton's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Ruben Amorim makes two changes to the side that won at Liverpool.
Benjamin Sesko replaces Mason Mount, who drops to the bench. Leny Yoro comes in for Harry Maguire, who is not involved.
Amorim said on Friday Maguire had picked up a knock. He is replaced in the squad by Tyrrell Malacia, who is involved for the first time since being placed in the 'bomb squad' by Amorim at the start of pre-season training.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Dalot, Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko.
Subs: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Dorgu, Malacia, Ugarte, Heaven, Mount, Mainoo.
Danny Welbeck returns to his old club in form after scoring four goals in his last three games.
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler brings in Maxim De Cuyper for Diego Gomez, the only change from the side that beat Newcastle.
The Seagulls have won on their last three visits to Old Trafford and six out of their last eight games against United.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper, Welbeck.
Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Gomez, Coppola, Oriola.
There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Chelsea v Sunderland (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Newcastle v Fulham (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Man Utd v Brighton (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Brentford v Liverpool (20:00)
Kick-offs 15:00 BST unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Sunderland" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Fulham", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
United were lucky with their first goal against Liverpool last week because the game should have been stopped, and we've all seen the issues with the Liverpool backline this season too.
So, while I understand why any win for United against their rivals at Anfield is a massive result, it doesn't mean they have cracked it and turned a corner.
They have just managed back-to-back league wins for the first time since Ruben Amorim took charge last November, but I am not looking at them and thinking they will make it a hat-trick on Saturday.
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck impressed me when he came on the Monday Night Club this week and I am backing his boys here.
The Seagulls are always bold under Fabian Hurzeler and they will be fearless at Old Trafford too. I am backing Welbeck to get one of their goals, and haunt his former club.
It is down to United to prove me wrong, and show everyone they do have the consistency they have been lacking, and that may well be part of Amorim's team talk.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Manchester United seek to continue their winning run against Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United's late victory at bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of Ruben Amorim's tenure as he approaches a year in charge of the club.
The result ended a near decade-long winless run at Anfield and brought about back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under the Portuguese head coach - a statistic that match winner Harry Maguire labelled "embarrassing" in his post-match interview.
"The last three or four years we'd put in a performance like this and the following game we come down again," continued Maguire last Sunday. "We have to start putting a bit more consistency together."
Whisper it quietly, but United's home form is actually quite consistent. Their only home defeat this term was by a single goal to league leaders Arsenal on the opening weekend and they have since won their past three at Old Trafford, scoring two or more goals on each occasion.
The key to another positive result this weekend could well be forward Bryan Mbeumo, who found the net after just two minutes on Sunday and has a goal and an assist in his past two games.
The Cameroon international clearly enjoys facing Brighton and has been directly involved in six goals in his past four starts against the Seagulls.
Brighton are unbeaten in four top-flight matches - winning two and drawing two - and will be confident of extending that form, such is their recent dominance against United.
The Seagulls have triumphed in six of their past seven league fixtures against the Red Devils and could become the first Premier League club to win four in a row at Old Trafford.
The last team to triumph in more successive league matches at the famous stadium was Manchester City, who put together a run of five some 53 years ago.
However, if Fabian Hurzeler's side are to maintain their grip on this fixture then they will need to sharpen up at the back. They have kept just one clean sheet in their previous 20 Premier League games and that was in a 2-0 win at Wolves in May.
One possible reason for that might lie with the German head coach's inclination to tinker. The 32-year-old has overseen 55 Brighton matches across all competitions but he is yet to name an unchanged side.
Hurzeler must be tempted to stick with last weekend's starting XI after their 2-1 victory over Newcastle and one man who should keep his place is former United academy graduate Danny Welbeck.
The striker, who turns 35 next month, found the net twice last weekend and has four goals from his past three top-flight games. Welbeck has also scored six times against his former employers and those of a blue and white persuasion will hope he can add to that tally this weekend.
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Midfielder Diego Gomez is available to start the game, while "one or two" of the injured trio of Karou Mitoma, Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman may return to the matchday squad.
On the importance of Mitoma in games such as Saturday's: "We will try everything to have him in the squad as he is a game-changer for us. If he is not available then we won't complain and we will find a solution. It might be a chance for Tom Watson or other wingers."
Hurzeler said he is "very pleased to hear" that midfielder Carlos Baleba "feels like he is getting back to old" after a difficult start to the season. He added: "I saw him in training this week and it was impressive."
On Baleba playing against United, who were widely linked with him in the summer: "It is the next step for his personality to overcome these rumours and noise. It is only noise that tries to distract him from trying to perform for Brighton and I am sure he is going to put in a good performance for us."
He said United "are a danger for us" because "they play a more direct style" and "every player in the front can decide the game with one action". He added: "We have to stay alive for 90 minutes, whether that is in or out of possession."
Jan Paul van Hecke "is going over the expectation" Hurzeler has of him and is giving "120%" in everything he does. Hurzeler added: "His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach. He has a very straight and honest opinion, which I always like because it is powerful for the team."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to live commentary of Manchester United v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 on Saturday
Manchester United are open to signing two new midfielders in 2026, with Brighton's 21-year-old Cameroon international Carlos Baleba among a six-man shortlist that also includes Chelsea's 21-year-old Brazil international Andrey Santos. (Talksport), external
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Brighton winger Kazenga LuaLua has fond memories of his time at the club, describing it as the high point of his football career.
And he believes the Seagulls' rise is no surprise, praising the club's infrastructure developments - from the move to Amex Stadium to the new training ground - as pivotal steps that have helped them flourish.
"It was the best time I had in my football career," LuaLua told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.
"I always say this about Brighton when I talk to people about it. I have nothing bad to say about Brighton. I always say good things because they changed my life in a nice way. They gave me a platform to show what I can do, and I'm always grateful.
"When I first signed, I got injured, and then I was sent back to Newcastle to do my treatment. I remember Gus Poyet telling me: 'I want you back here next season.' For him to say that and want me with me being injured as well, was unbelievable.
"It was the best thing the club has ever done [moving to the Amex] and that was the start - then to get the new training ground, and from there Brighton just flew.
"I am not surprised [by Brighton playing in Europe] as the club was moving in the right direction. It's nice to see. I hope they can keep improving."
Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Brighton forward Warren Aspinall was full of praise for Danny Welbeck's resurgence after he inspired the Seagulls to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.
The striker has now scored four in his past three games, including doubles against Chelsea and Newcastle, with his sharpness in front of goal matched by an intensity and experience that have become vital to Fabian Hurzeler's side.
"Like a good wine, he's maturing with age," Aspinall said told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.
"He sets standards on and off the pitch and his all-round game is getting better. I don't know what he's doing with his recovery, but it's working. That's for sure."
Welbeck's work ethic and leadership also drew admiration from team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, who highlighted the example he sets for others in the squad.
"Incredible, not only his goals, but his work rate," Van Hecke said.
"Everyone knows that when you play for us, you have to work really hard as we don't have the superstars here. But when you see Danny setting the example, all the boys will follow him and are really happy with him."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
This week's episode of Albion Unlimited features a chat with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke while former Seagulls winger Kazenga LuaLua brings some nostalgia.
There's also analysis of Amario Cozier-Duberry's progress on loan at League One Bolton, plus a preview of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you where Danny Welbeck ranks in Brighton signings during the Premier League era.
Here are some of your comments:
Bill: Danny has consistently shown a superb attitude both in the dressing room and on the training and playing fields. He is a high-class striker and I am sure his example is of benefit to all Seagulls players.
Edward: A great role model for younger footballers. An incredible piece of work by Brighton.
Clive: Welbeck has to be up there with the all time Brighton greats, but I also think he is now better as a second-half super sub.
Tony: Brilliant signing. I had my doubts at the start but what a great player Welbeck is. Has got better with age like a good wine. I hope he is offered an extension to his existing contract. A true legend in the making.
Jack: Yes, Danny is easily one of the best players we've signed. Getting him for free was a great piece of business as he's now our top scorer in the Premier League and he's been a great player to have in and around the squad.
Colin: The best free transfer we've ever had.
David: Danny is playing out of his skin and we are SO LUCKY to have him playing for us.
Scott McCarthy
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesThe traditional anniversary gift for five years is wood, symbolising the strength, stability and deep roots of a long-lasting and successful marriage.
This symbolism perfectly sums up the relationship between Danny Welbeck and Brighton, which passed the five-year mark at the weekend.
Welbeck celebrated the occasion in perfect style with a double, as the Albion saw off Newcastle United 2-1 at Amex Stadium.
Cast your mind back to October 2020 and plenty of eyebrows were raised when Brighton signed Welbeck on a free transfer, following his release by Watford.
Too old, too injury-prone, a panic signing after the transfer window had shut. The latter was said because Albion had left themselves in a position whereby Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly were their only two options at centre-forward.
How many people would have dared predict Welbeck would still be a Brighton player half a decade on? Let alone the club's record Premier League goalscorer.
He is up there with Pascal Gross as the best value-for-money signing the club have made since promotion to the top flight in 2017, and has now played more games and netted more goals for Albion than any of his other clubs.
Football fans outside of Sussex may associate him with Manchester United, Arsenal or England more than Brighton, but it is on the south coast where his best and most consistent form has come.
The goals Welbeck bagged against the Toon Army came from two strikes of the highest class.
His first saw him coolly dink over Nick Pope. His second was a powerful drive with unerring accuracy, after showing quick reactions to latch onto Mats Wieffer's blocked shot.
Plenty of clubs would pay many, many millions of pounds for a striker with the finishing ability of Welbeck. Brighton forked out nothing.
Here is to the next five years - because it really would not be a surprise to see Welbeck still rattling in goals for the Albion approaching his 40th birthday on the 10th anniversary of his signing.
Where does Welbeck rank in Brighton signings during the Premier League era?
Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck joined BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club to reflect on his career and share how he maintains his fitness as a 34-year-old playing in the Premier League.
"I know my body," he said. "You learn your body and know what can put you in the best position.
"We have incredible facilities at Brighton and they are on hand for you. Everyone has the opportunity to recover in the right way."
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Tony: It was a scrappy game but we defended well and fought hard for a well-deserved win. With a bit more finesse and better decision-making we could have won by more.
Richard: It was the best performance of the season - a really hard-fought win. We seemed to want the second ball more than recent games and those fine margins made the difference.
Hayling: Some fans have criticised Lewis Dunk this season, but he was immense - at least three superb tackles when he was left as the last man and he handled Nick Woltemede better than Jan Paul van Hecke. Just a shame we couldn't keep the clean sheet against a side who hadn't scored away from home before Saturday.
Newcastle fans
Sean: Fed up of poor performances at Brighton - the same every season. Toothless once again in attack. Anthony Elanga just hasn't got going. Showed much more attacking intent with Jacob Murphy's directness in the second half. Defensive solidity seems to be the base for us this season, yet both goals were poor to concede. Need a good reaction at St James' Park on Tuesday before a kinder run of league fixtures.
Paul: A really poor performance. Misplaced passes, losing multiple 50/50s. All across the park we didn't seem ourselves and, despite a lot of effort, we just were way below the levels needed.
John: Whatever the reason, the performance seemed adversely affected by the international break. Bruno Guimaraes missed a couple of good chances to score. Joelinton was lethargic and made mistakes so Eddie Howe removed him at half-time. Anthony Gordon had none of his England sparkle and Elanga hardly contributed. Woltemade was the exception, but when three or four other key players are off form, the Premier League is a very tough league.
Image source, Getty ImagesDanny Welbeck's double against Newcastle stole the headlines at Amex Stadium on Saturday, but the 34 year-old did not forget about the defensive contributions of fellow attacker Georginio Rutter in the 2-1 victory.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about when Rutter ran back from the forward line to make a tackle, Welbeck said: "It's something that we massively appreciate as a team [about him]. Maybe it's something that the fans don't see or take notice of, because it doesn't go down as a goal or an assist.
"Those sort of things that he does puts us in a position to go on and win games. It sets the tone for the rest of the team. He was incredible.
"It was a tough battle against a tough side. We had to try to nullify their threat and the whole backline was very good, along with the rest of the team as a defensive unit."
