Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui makes stunning Brighton claim after Manchester United FA Cup defeat

Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has described Brighton & Hove Albion as currently being the best team in the world - just days after Manchester United knocked them out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage.

Following a goalless 120 minutes at Wembley, United prevailed on penalties, winning 7-6, to book an all-Manchester final against City on June 3. Victor Lindelof converted the winning penalty after Solly March had blazed his effort over the crossbar.

The Seagulls were the better side for long spells of the semi-final, fashioning the contest's best opportunities, but they failed to find a way past United goalkeeper David de Gea. They were aiming to reach their first FA Cup final since losing to United back in 1983.

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Despite being beaten at Wembley, the Seagulls have enjoyed a very impressive campaign, despite losing several key players last summer and head coach Graham Potter to Chelsea in September. However, they have excelled under Roberto De Zerbi, who could still secure them European football for next season, despite being beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

But despite that damaging defeat at the City Ground, Lopetegui, whose Wolves side face Brighton on Saturday, believes the Seagulls are currently playing the best football in the world, suggesting United should be very proud of their cup triumph over them at Wembley on Sunday.

"In my opinion, the best team now playing football in the world is Brighton," said Lopetegui. "They play in a different way than the rest of the teams – they are very good.

"They are different, they attack in a different way, they are able to play with consistency with the ball, have different