Absence of Brighton's £25m summer signing explained as Fabian Hurzeler makes Billy Gilmour decision for Man United

Brighton’s £25m summer signing Mats Wieffer was a notable absentee from Brighton’s Premier League matchday squad to face Manchester United at the Amex Stadium.

Wieffer, who joined the Seagulls from Feyenoord, impressed on his debut during Brighton’s 3-0 win at Everton last Saturday.

But his display at Goodison Park came at a price as the Dutch international picked up a “minor injury” and was unavailable for selection against Erik ten Hag’s Man United team.

In his pre-match conference, Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “He [Wieffer] did not have the best start to the game. He made some easy mistakes in possession but when we look at his reaction, that was outstanding. He never hides from the ball. Even when he made a mistake, he was asking for the ball. That is something I ask from my players. For me, in his first PL game that is outstanding. In his position if you are hiding, then you have problems.”

Wieffer’s absence saw Billy Gilmour promoted to the starting XI, despite persistent links of a £15m move to Napoli. Speaking ahead of the match Hurzler said was asked by Sussex World if he expects Gilmour to still be at Brighton come the end of the transfer window? “Yes,” was the German manager’s simple response.

Club record signing Georginio Rutter is on the bench following his midweek £40m move from Leeds, while defenders Tariq Lamptey and Igor Julio were on the bench as they continue their recoveries from injuries.

Brighton XI: Steele, Hinselwood, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman, Gilmour, Milner, Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Minteh, Welbeck. Subs: Rushworth, Lamptey, Igor Julio, Webster, Ensico, Rutter, Baleba, Adingra, Ayari.

Man United were unchanged from their 1-0 opening day win against Fulham – which means no place in the matchday squad for Jadon Sancho.

Man Utd XI: Onana, Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Rashford, Mount, Amad, Fernandes. Subs: Baynindir, De Ligt, Zirkzee, Eriksen, Garnacho, Antony, Evans, McTominay, Collyer.