Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has warned Manchester United that he has told his Seagulls side they must win all seven of their remaining Premier League games if they are to secure European football for next season.
The Seagulls host United at the Amex Stadium on Thursday evening. A top-four finish looks out of reach for the home side, but a place in next season's Europa League or Europa Conference League could still be secured.
Erik ten Hag's men look set to be back in the Champions League next season. They are fourth as things stand but have a game in hand over third-placed Newcastle United.
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Brighton have enjoyed a fantastic campaign. They sit eighth as things stand and are four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, with at least one game in hand over all of the teams above them.
The last time these two teams met was at Wembley Stadium last month in an FA Cup semi-final. United emerged victorious on that occasion with a 7-6 triumph on penalties after a goalless draw.
Seagulls boss De Zerbi knows that result is done and dusted and cannot be changed. But he outlined the objective of achieving European football for the Sussex side and they will be seeking victory in their remaning games in a bid to secure that prize, starting with the United meeting on Thursday.
He told The Argus: "Unfortunately we can’t go back to play again the semi-final. But we can achieve Europa League, our target, and to achieve our target we have to win eight games.
“And the first game is with Man United. With our quality, we will try to win.”
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