Brighton made a Premier League record profit across all clubs of £122.8m in 2022-23. That was aided by player sales, merit money for finishing sixth to qualify for Europe for the first time and compensation for the move by De Zerbi’s predecessor Graham Potter and members of his backroom staff to Chelsea in September 2022.

Man United have faced Brighton in six previous FA Cup ties and have won them all, most recently in the 2023 semifinals, prevailing 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw. In the league, though, Brighton have won three of their last four visits to Old Trafford (the lone loss came this season, a 4-2 reverse) and that makes for an intriguing fixture.

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In defence, familiarity is likely to win out. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are expected to operate as full-backs, offering width and progression from deep areas. At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez is set to anchor the line, partnered by Leny Yoro, whose composure has been one of the quieter positives in an uneven campaign.

Brighton are also set to have key defender Jan Paul van Hecke available again after injury, while Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez are back from suspension. Mats Wieffer is also set to be fit after a fitness concern. “Danny Welbeck will be back,” said Brighton boss Hurzeler ahead of the Arsenal game.

Darren Fletcher, who has been in charge for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy are also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.

Injuries and suspensions have disrupted continuity. Several first-team regulars are either unavailable or returning without full sharpness, forcing a rethink in both midfield balance and defensive organisation. Brighton’s pressing game relies heavily on cohesion, and that is difficult to replicate with enforced changes.