Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion
The FA Youth Cup Sponsored by E.ON
Third Round Proper 
7pm, Thursday 13 December 2007
Victoria Stadium, Northwich Victoria FC 
Click here for fixtures

Brighton's youngsters were hit by a major disappointment just days ahead of their FA Youth Cup clash with nine-time champions Manchester United.

The Third Round tie of the competition was due to be played at Old Trafford on Thursday night - an event that stood to be the biggest of the Albion youngsters' careers to date. 

However, the Brighton players were disappointed to learn that the match was moved to the Victoria Stadium, because of a need to protect the Old Trafford pitch following the bad weather surrounding the first team's game against Derby County on Saturday.

Martin Hinshelwood, Brighton's Director Of Football, said: "Manchester United is a great draw for us and they're a team any youngster would want to face given the chance. 

"Playing at Old Trafford would have been a big boost for us, so the change is disappointing but, either way, we're looking to go as far as we can and we're looking forward to it very much."

Brighton face tough competition from United, who had an excellent run in the competition last year. They reached the Final for the 14th time in the Cup's history, but lost out to champions Liverpool who retained their trophy after a penalty shoot-out.

So far in this season's competition, Brighton have beaten MK Dons, who they knocked-out in a thrilling 4-3 encounter at the beginning of November and they recently enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers to secure their Third Round place.

Now they face Manchester United, who have previously fielded the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in successful FA Youth Cup sides.

Hinshelwood added: "We're feeling fine. We've got nothing to lose and our boys will be prepared for it."