Rashford: Reds Aiming For Balance

Marcus Rashford insists Manchester United are focused on getting a good balance of attacking and defending against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Reds conceded a first goal at Old Trafford in the Premier League this term to Newcastle's Dwight Gayle last time out to fall behind to the Magpies, before going on to win 4-1.

With another newly promoted side up next in the high-flying Seagulls, Rashford says the players are aiming to be strong in attack and equally as solid at the back.

"I think against Newcastle in the first half we were a bit too open because of how freely we were trying to play," he told MUTV. "When we're playing such attacking football, you might sacrifice some other things that you need. If we get those two bits together, then that’s the ideal situation."

The third of the promoted sides, Huddersfield Town, showed how dangerous the new boys can be, when inflicting a 2-1 defeat on the Reds in October - despite Rashford getting on the scoresheet.

"I just think the key is definitely not starting slowly," added the England international. "We started a bit slowly against Huddersfield, they got a goal and then another one. When they got that lead, they dropped back and put 11 men behind the ball so it was difficult to break them down.

"Brighton are doing well and it will be a difficult game," he added. "I think when teams come up, the most important thing for them is that they have identity and they have a plan of how they play. As you can see, Brighton have that and are building on each performance and getting stronger.

"These types of games can be underestimated [by some] in terms of how difficult they are, but we know as players it will be tough and we'll be ready."