Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton ahead of their meeting in the Premier League on Friday night.

Brighton are currently 14th in the Premier League table - five points clear of the bottom three.

The Seagulls have not yet secured their spot in the top flight for the 2018-19 campaign, but are in a strong position entering their final three Premier League matches.

Mourinho has said that Hughton has done "a fantastic job" since arriving at the Amex Stadium.

"Very, very good, to go from very, very good to amazing he just needs to mathematically confirm the Premier League for next season," Mourinho told reporters.

"I think Brighton will be there next year and that's a fantastic job for Chris and not surprising for me because since the start they have showed the quality and mentality to get the points they need to stay in the division."

Brighton lost 2-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse Premier League match earlier this season.