Albion v Manchester United
FA CUP - SEMI FINALS
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Date: Sunday 23rd April 2023
Kick-off: 16:30 BST
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Marc Perry
Fourth Official: Robert Jones
Reserve Assistant Referee: Steven Meredith
VAR: Michael Oliver
Additional VAR: Matthew Wilkes
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi says appearing in the FA Cup semi-final is an "honour" and that his side will play with "emotion" against Manchester United at Wembley.
The Seagulls are one win from reaching the final for the first time since 1983 when they lost to United in a replay.
"We are excited. We want to play with our DNA," added Italian De Zerbi.
"Since working in the UK, you understand the importance of the FA Cup. It's special."
United have fond memories of Wembley this season, having beaten Newcastle there to win the Carabao Cup in February.
But they return to the national stadium after a poor defeat against Sevilla in Spain sent them crashing out of the Europa League.
"A good thing is that Sunday is a huge opportunity - the semi-final of the FA Cup - a better event you can't imagine," said United boss Erik ten Hag.
'We have to love the pressure'
Brighton are enjoying an outstanding season. In addition to their FA Cup run, they sit seventh in the Premier League and are pushing for a place in Europe.
They also defeated United in their only meeting so far this season, a 2-1 win at Old Trafford back in August.
De Zerbi said his players had to learn to deal with the pressure of playing in high-stakes matches as Brighton look to end the season in style.
"We have to love the pressure," he added.
"We have to get used to it. Playing these types of games is an honour and I have no doubts about my team.
"Manchester United are one of the best teams in the UK. If you want to improve and become better, you have to play this type of game.
"We are speaking about Europe, so we need to compete to become bigger."
'This group can do better' - Ten Hag
Manchester United have bounced back from recent setbacks and they will need to do so again if they are to finish the season with two domestic trophies and a top-four finish.
After losing 7-0 at Liverpool on 5 March, the Red Devils defeated Real Betis 4-1 in the Europa League and, more recently, they beat Brentford 1-0 after losing at Newcastle in the previous match.
Asked whether some of his players were playing for their future, following the Sevilla defeat and amid rumours of changes to the squad in the summer, Ten Hag said: "I think we always playing for our future as professional players.
"Every game is a test, every season is a test, you have to earn the right to wear the shirt. It's for me as a manager. We are in the same boat.
"We know what to do and we need a huge step forward, higher standards, a better performance to beat Brighton, because that's a tough team.
"We are here to prepare for Brighton and get the best out of this group of players. That's where my energy and focus is.
"We know it's going to be a completely different opponent, a completely different style.
"I know this group of players can do better, they've proved it so many times this season. We've made huge progress during the season but we have steps to go. We have a lot of games to play and occasions to prove it."
TEAM NEWS
De Zerbi said no-one had been completely ruled out for Sunday when asked on Friday.
Defender Joel Veltman and forward Evan Ferguson have been struggling with injuries.
"The situation with their injuries is not clear yet," added De Zerbi. "We have another two days and we have time to understand and analyse the decision."
Marcus Rashford could start for Manchester United after returning from injury as a substitute against Sevilla.
Bruno Fernandes is available after serving a suspension in the last match.
Roberto De Zerbi's Manchester United Press Conference
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