'Limp' display suggests 'Europe will not be easy'published at 21:34 BST 24 May
21:34 BST 24 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Brighton securing Conference League football next season.
Here are some of your comments:
Barry: Despite somehow stumbling into Europe's lowest-tier competition, Brighton ended the season in embarrassing fashion with a limp 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United. On paper, European qualification sounds impressive; in reality, this performance exposed just how far off the pace Brighton looked against a side that had nothing to play for.
Paul: A shambolic performance from the team. Totally clueless from front to back. So fortunate to have qualified for Europe and if we play like Sunday next season we will be in a worrying position.
Fran: Very poor performance but not unexpected. It seemed like we were on the beach as nobody played well. We need to strengthen for next season as Europe (Thursday/Sunday) will not be easy. Overall, a very up and down season!
Philip: Truly awful performance after a promising start. Lack of firepower and coordination up front evident and seemed like some players had started their holidays already. Went hoping to celebrate a great season and left feeling deflated even though Europe was back on the cards.
'It's another milestone in the history of this club'published at 20:27 BST 24 May
20:27 BST 24 May
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has hailed European qualification as another significant milestone in the history of the club.
Despite the disappointment of ending the season with a 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United, Brentford's failure to win at Liverpool meant Brighton were able to reach the UEFA Conference League, even though Sunderland leapfrogged them on the final day.
It will mean a club that never played in Europe in its entire history until two seasons ago will get to experience it again next term.
The Brighton fans quickly shrugged off the disappointment of their team's performance against Manchester United to celebrate the achievement.
And Hurzeler also feels it is something to take immense satisfaction from.
"There are mixed feelings because on the one side, it was the worst timing for that kind of performance," he said.
"But on the other, it is the second time now we are in Europe so that's why we should see it more as an achievement.
"It's very important to see where we came from and to see our development in the last years.
"The club always tries to find small steps where we can [to get] the most potential from everyone.
"I see how hard the players have worked for this achievement and that's why I think it's another milestone in the history of this club."
'We should be happy with what we achieved' - What Hurzeler saidpublished at 18:55 BST 24 May
18:55 BST 24 May
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his side qualified for the Conference League: "It was the worst time for this performance from us but we have to look at it overall in what we achieved.
"We had a difficult season with lots of highs and lows, so to finish eighth is good.
"We weren't good enough today or on our highest level today. We have to accept it. There is nothing to analyse because the season is over now. The goal distracted us and we couldn't react well to the goals.
"We had a bad run, kept going, kept fighting and that was quite positive. When you see the overall season we should be happy with what we achieved."
Brighton have lost six of their nine final Premier League games of the season (W3), indeed no team have more such defeats than the Seagulls since they entered the competition in 2017-18 (also six for Burnley and Wolves).
Analysis: Another momentous daypublished at 18:34 BST 24 May
18:34 BST 24 May
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There are some clubs for whom qualification for the Conference League would be seen as something of an embarrassment.
Brighton are not one of them.
Yes, there were grumbles during the game at a performance far below expectations but the cheers that rang round the stadium as Brentford's failure to win at Anfield were joyous.
'Europe again', the Brighton fans chanted. "Three months ago people were talking about relegation, now we are in Europe," chirped skipper Lewis Dunk as he took part in the post-season lap of honour.
Crystal Palace's appearance in the Conference League final on Wednesday gives their great rivals something to aim for and boss Hurzeler a Sunday-Thursday conundrum to solve now he has signed his new three-year contract.
These are first-world problems though. There are plenty at Brighton who remember all the dark times, when the future of the club was at risk.
Europe beckons again. Brighton are a different club now.
Brighton v Man Utd: Team newspublished at 15:02 BST 24 May
15:02 BST 24 May
Veteran James Milner returns to the Brighton starting line-up, with uncertainty over whether he will extend his career beyond the end of the season.
Fabian Huzeler makes three changes as Mats Wiefer and Diego Gomez are also recalled, with United transfer target Carlos Baleba among those dropped to the bench.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Milner, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Gross, Wiefer, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Gomez, Welbeck.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.
Will it be five or six teams? How Champions League qualification workspublished at 08:14 BST 24 May
08:14 BST 24 May
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
This one gets a little bit confusing, but Aston Villa's Europa League final win over Freiburg make things clearer.
Because England has won one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS) for next season's Champions League, five Premier League clubs will feature in the competition instead of four. Like England, Spain have also guaranteed five clubs.
But because of Villa winning the Europa League, there is a scenario where six English clubs qualify for the Champions League next term.
For that to happen, Villa would need to finish fifth.
Currently, they are fourth - three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool. That means Liverpool would need to beat Brentford and hope Villa lose at City for them to overtake Unai Emery's team.
Fans of Bournemouth and Brighton will also hope this happens. If it does, it means one of them would join Liverpool and be a sixth English team in the Champions League.
The Cherries only need a point at Nottingham Forest to guarantee a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls would need to beat Manchester United and for Bournemouth to lose to finish sixth.
Liverpool only need a point to guarantee a top-five finish. But if they lose at home to the Bees, they would only not finish fifth if Bournemouth win at Forest and the Cherries overturned a six-goal deficit in goal difference. Of course, if they ended up in sixth then it would be Europa League and not Champions League for the Anfield side.
Whoever finishes in seventh will also enter the Europa League.
A win for Brighton would guarantee them Europa League football at least. If the Seagulls fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.
Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.
Whoever finishes eighth will enter the Conference League next season.
Carrick praise for his 'lad' Welbeckpublished at 22:31 BST 23 May
22:31 BST 23 May
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has praised the longevity of former team-mate Danny Welbeck – but wishes he would stop scoring against his old club.
Carrick was at United when Welbeck started to come through the ranks and was part of the same 2012-13 Premier League title-winning side.
But if he was a positive for United during his time at Old Trafford, he has been a pain since he left.
The 35-year-old has scored eight goals against them, more than he has managed against any other club.
His latest was Brighton's decisive second goal in their FA Cup third-round victory in January.
"He's scored against us too many times," said Carrick. "I still call him 'my lad'. He's an old man now, which makes me feel old.
"Huge respect for him. It's terrific that he came through here and made a massive impact.
"For him to go on and have the career he's had and still be playing so well at the age he is shows his mindset and his attitude and all those things enable you to play to 35.
"He deserves a lot of credit for that and I'm really delighted, genuinely, to see him doing so well."
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Man Utdpublished at 17:12 BST 23 May
17:12 BST 23 May
A Brighton win would secure them seventh place and European football next season, and they could even finish sixth if Bournemouth lose.
It has not always been smooth progress for the Seagulls this season under Fabian Hurzeler, but they have finished the campaign strongly.
Manchester United have got something to play for too, though, or at least Bruno Fernandes does - he needs to set up one more goal to break the Premier League record for assists in a single season.
I think Fernandes will get his assist, but Brighton will take the points - with Danny Welbeck scoring the winner.
Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:01 BST 23 May
13:01 BST 23 May
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Manchester United to the American Express Stadium on Sunday looking to confirm their place in European football next season.
Fabian Hurzeler's side, currently seventh, have enjoyed a splendid campaign and can still book a spot in either the Europa League or the Conference League, depending on how results pan out elsewhere on the final day.
Can Welbeck haunt his old club again?
Central to that success has been the form of ex-United striker Danny Welbeck, who will make his 400th Premier League appearance if he features against his old club – the 46th player to reach that milestone.
A six-year spell in the first team at Old Trafford for the Manchester-born forward accounted for 92 of those, and he enjoys playing against his former employers more than anyone else.
Against no club has Welbeck scored more goals in all competitions than he has against United (eight). He played more games (36) and scored more goals (13) this term than in another season of his laudable top-flight career.
As they come tantalisingly close to realising another European dream – their only previous experience on the continent was a run the Europa League last 16 in 2023-24 – the Seagulls will be reassured to know they have an excellent record against United.
In fact, Brighton have the highest win rate against United of any side in Premier League history both overall (47%) and at home (63%). None of those 17 meetings have ended in a draw.
United back in the big time
Unlike their opponents, Manchester United have already guaranteed themselves a return to European football next season. Michael Carrick's side have sealed Champions League qualification after a two-year absence and will finish third regardless of Sunday's result.
The Red Devils' turnaround under their former midfielder is well-documented. Carrick, who has signed new contract running until 2028, has the best points-per-game (PPG) average of any manager in the division this season (2.25).
Indeed, it is the best PPG by any United manager in a league season since Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign in 2012-13 (2.34), when Carrick made a career-high 36 top-flight appearances.
Having teed up Bryan Mbeumo against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, the pressure is off Bruno Fernandes in his pursuit of the record for most assists in a Premier League campaign.
Fernandes moved level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on 20, but don't bet against the Portuguese playmaker linking up with his Cameroonian colleague again.
Against no side has Mbeumo been involved in more Premier League goals than he has against Brighton (five goals, three assists), with all eight coming in his last five starts against the Seagulls.
He scored two in the reverse fixture, a 4-2 win at Old Trafford in October, meaning United are looking to complete a league double over Brighton for the first time since 2020-21.
Despite boasting an excellent record at the tail end of the season – only Arsenal have won more games on the final day than United's 23 – it's far from a formality.
United have lost six of their last eight league matches against the Seagulls, in addition to being dumped out of the FA Cup by Hurzeler's charges at the third round stage in January.
Welbeck 'couldn't have done much more' for World Cup placepublished at 18:38 BST 22 May
18:38 BST 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Danny Welbeck's omission from Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the World Cup.
Here are some of your comments:
Colin: Welbeck should be going in place of Ivan Toney. More experienced and he is playing higher level football.
Paul: There's no doubt that he would have been a huge asset for the team, but I guess his age played a part in the decision - if he was considered at all.
Jack: Seems mad to me that Tuchel has opted to bring Anthony Gordon over the likes of Welbeck and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, given his form this season. Presumably, Cole Palmer was left out for his similarly underwhelming performance recently, so what's the deal?
Chris: He couldn't have done much more to be part of it! Is this a mistake by Tuchel?
Andrew: It's a shame, in a way, that Welbeck misses the World Cup. He was showing in the last couple of months that he could be the extra striker we would need to support Harry Kane. I do think now that other players such as Ollie Watkins are hitting form, and maybe a better bet to take. Purely on a selfish side, not having Danny at the World Cup saves his legs. He is getting older and if we make Europe his skills are critical. For a successful season we need him fresh.
Zak: He definitely should've got in over Toney. He's the second highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League.
Tuchel names 2026 World Cup squadpublished at 10:17 BST 22 May
10:17 BST 22 May
Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.
The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.
Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.
"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.
Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.
"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.
"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.
"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."
Amex has become a strong fort for Hurzeler's Seagullspublished at 08:24 BST 22 May
08:24 BST 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
After missing out on a Scottish Premiership title with Hearts, Tony Bloom's attention will be firmly on his other football club - Brighton & Hove Albion.
The south coast side will be aiming to qualify for Europe for the second time in its 124-year history.
The Seagulls last featured in a European competition during the 2023-24 campaign, where they reached the Europa League last-16, losing to Roma.
A win against Manchester United would guarantee Brighton Europa League football next season.
Thankfully for the Seagulls, they have the highest win-rate against United of any side in Premier League history.
Although the Red Devils beat Fabian Hurzeler's team earlier in the season in the league, the Brighton did knock United out of the FA Cup in the third round.
The Amex Stadium has become a strong fort for Hurzeler's side, having won the past three games on home soil, but they have lost their final league match in five of their eight seasons in the Premier League.
United interim boss Michael Carrick will be up against ex-team mate Danny Welbeck. The 35-year-old has scored eight goals against his former club since leaving Old Trafford in 2014.
If Welbeck features on Sunday, it will be his 400th Premier League appearance - the 46th player to reach this milestone.
Hurzeler on Wieffer's fitness, Welbeck's form and 'a last push' for Europepublished at 11:35 BST 21 May
11:35 BST 21 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season, against Manchester United at Amex Stadium (16:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Hurzeler confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns going into the final day, while Mats Wieffer "is an option to come back" from an ankle injury that has seen him sidelined for the past two games.
On the prospect of European qualification: "Really excited because I think that this team deserves it. They really went through a lot of highs and lows through the season, but one thing they did always together was find a solution against adversity, even like bouncing back better after setbacks. Therefore, I'm really happy for the players that are in this place."
Asked what it means to the fans, Hurzeler said: "I'm proud that the fans can experience something special. The fans will support us, the fans will be there for us, and I think it's also our responsibility now regarding the weekend to make them proud, to give them something back. I'm really happy and proud for my team, but also for my fans."
Hurzeler paid tribute to Danny Welbeck, who he hopes will be named in England's World Cup squad on Friday: "It's a sign of his professionalism, of how hard he works, of his daily work ethic, and I'm really happy for Danny for his season. Then I think he gets the rewards he deserves because of his achievements this season and hopefully he can do it another time for us on Sunday. Hopefully he will be announced in the England squad."
On Ferdi Kadioglu, who won the Seagulls' player of the season award: "He went through for a big low the season before, when he had this big injury, but I think it describes his character the best that he comes back stronger, that he plays an unbelievable season, that he is a team player, that he always tries to be there for his team-mates."
Is Aston Villa's Europa League win an inspiration for a club like Brighton?: "It's always motivation to get into these kind of cup competitions because that's a chance to win something. That's also our ambition and therefore we try now to focus on that game [on Sunday against United]."
On Sunday's opponents, he said Michael Carrick has made United "a really strong team again" and said they will be "motivated" to finish strongly even with Champions League qualification confirmed.
Hurzeler ended by issuing a rallying cry, knowing victory will guarantee a top-seven finish: "I hope we all can give us a last push and we all can really stick together one more time. We all can create an atmosphere, a very energetic and powerful atmosphere where it's difficult to play in and then we hopefully can celebrate together afterwards."
Hear more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds or by pressing play above
Brighton 'need to be at it' against Man Utd in season finale - Murraypublished at 07:31 BST 21 May
07:31 BST 21 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray, speaking about the season finale against Manchester United on the latest episode of Albion Unlimited from BBC Radio Sussex: "There's this narrative that goes around about football that squads are on the beach because there's nothing to play for, or in Manchester United's case, they've consolidated that third spot, they can't go any higher, they can't go any lower.
"I just don't see it in modern-day footballers. I just don't think they're built like that. A big proportion of Manchester United's squad will be going into the World Cup and will want to keep those fitness levels up.
"I covered Brentford v Crystal Palace [last] weekend and everyone thought Crystal Palace were going to down tools because they've got nothing to play for in the league and they're looking forward to their Conference League final, but on the afternoon they turned up and made it difficult for Brentford.
"I looked up at Tyneside and West Ham, who were desperate for the points and Newcastle didn't really need them, and yet again Newcastle rolled out a performance.
"So I don't think this 'on the beach' narrative works at this level. As far as Manchester United not needing to win to gain any advantage, I still think this group of players will be desperate to get three points, so we need to be at it.
"We need to be as good as we were at Leeds and keep that level of performance up. Recent history-wise, we've got a really good record against Manchester United both home and away, but what I will say is I think this is a different Manchester United coming to town."
'Thanks to the fans' - Kadioglupublished at 17:02 BST 20 May
17:02 BST 20 May
Media caption,
Brighton's player of the season Ferdi Kadioglu and players' player of the season Danny Welbeck spoke to Radio Sussex following their award success.
"I heard already from a few fans that they voted for me as player of the season, but other players deserved it as well, but I'm really happy they voted for me," Kadioglu told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.
"I'm really happy I didn't miss a game this season. I had a tough year last season with my toe injury but I think I made a good comeback this year and I played quite consistent. When I'm on the pitch I give everything for the team and I'm really pleased with the trophy."
Discussing the final game of the campaign on Sunday against Manchester United, he added: "It's a very important game for us, still everything is possible. One big push together with the fans, at home we are very strong so I have all the trust in the team that we can make it an unforgettable season.
"I want a loud Brighton fanbase and I think they can do it. They've shown it many times this season. As a player, you want to reach as high as possible and to reach Europe is one of those things."
Player's Player winner Danny Welbeck said: "I think we've put in a lot of hard work throughout the season and to be recognised by your teammates is always very special. I am privileged for that honour.
"It's been a good season, we've still got an important game on Sunday, but let's hope it can be even better. Let's make sure we can make some incredible memories."
Murray 'really looking forward to this weekend' as Seagulls shoot for Europepublished at 11:29 BST 20 May
11:29 BST 20 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray says the Seagulls must "stay positive" after Sunday's defeat at Leeds as they would have "snapped your arm off" to be in their current position had they been offered it before a ball was kicked.
Presently, teams finishing sixth and seventh are guaranteed a place in the Europa League at least. Brighton, on 53 points, occupy seventh despite the setback at Elland Road and will definitely finish in the top seven if they beat Manchester United on Sunday.
"As far as the Albion are concerned, I think the easy narrative to take is that it was disappointing for us not to capitalise on a situation we manufactured for ourselves," Murray told the Albion Unlimited podcast on BBC Radio Sussex.
"But, even though we didn't get a result at Elland Road which is always a tough place to go, we performed really well on the afternoon. We had plenty of shots and asked plenty of questions.
"It wasn't like we went up there and underperformed in a crucial moment, but if you keep those numbers and those performances then results will turn for you.
"From being down in the dumps earlier in the season, we are now on the verge of Europe so I think everything needs to be put into context. When you zoom out from our result, it was quite a good weekend. I can understand everyone reacting to losing to an injury-time winner from a mistake but sometimes those things happen and we need to ride it and stay positive.
"We also need to look at the position we occupy in the league and that it is still in our hands to confirm a European place.
"Regardless of the rollercoaster this season has been, if we were offered this before a ball was kicked then I think we'd have snapped your arm off for it. Overall I'm super happy and positive with how Fabian Hurzeler has got the team performing and I'm really looking forward to this weekend."
🎧Albion Unlimited: Going down to the wirepublished at 15:40 BST 19 May
15:40 BST 19 May
Europe is within touching distance and Albion Unlimited is considering what that means for the Seagulls.
You can hear from former Brighton players Glenn Murray, Adam Virgo and Warren Aspinall as they discuss player development, Europe and facing Manchester United.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
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
'Better is needed against Man Utd'published at 11:32 BST 19 May
11:32 BST 19 May
Scott McCarthy Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There is probably never a good time for your centre back and goalkeeper to turn into the Dutch version of the Chuckle Brothers, doing a passable 'To Me, To You' impression with a horrific attempt at a blind back pass to gift the opposition a winning goal.
Yet if you did want to pick a particularly bad moment for Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen to resemble Rotherham's most famous sons, the 96th minute of the penultimate game of the season with Brighton chasing Europe is up there.
The equation was straightforward heading to Leeds on Sunday. An Albion win guaranteed participation in one European competition or another. Potentially the Champions League, depending on other results over this week.
Defeat at Elland Road means that whilst Brighton still have their fate in their own hands, finishing in the top eight now looks much more difficult with a resurgent Manchester United coming to Sussex on Sunday.
What happened against Leeds was therefore a massive opportunity missed. But to put the sole blame on Van Hecke, Verbruggen or anyone else is harsh. Collectively, the Albion were not good enough.
The Chuckle Brother moment would not have been so damaging if Brighton had converted one or two of the 19 shots they had into goals. As many as 13 of those efforts came in the second half.
Throughout the first, the Albion looked like they were in a similar boat to Leeds with nothing to play for. It was astonishing to watch when the possibility of making Brighton history is in touching distance.
I suppose equally astonishing is that we are even talking about the Albion and the Champions League. At the end of February, after one win in 13 league matches, the Championship looked a likely destination.
Brighton deserve a lot of credit for how they have turned things around. It would be a shame to do so much hard work in terms of getting into the Race for Europe, only to then blow it in the finishing straight.
Better is needed against United. No blind back passes would be a good starting point.
Image source, Getty Images
