Albion defender Maria Thorisdottir says playing her old club will be treated as a “normal game”.

But she accepts it will also be a bit special to take on Manchester United.

It would be even more special for the Seagulls if they could bounce back from three WSL defeats to beat one of the emerging forces in the league.

Thorisdottir joined Albion in the summer after three years with United.

Asked about now facing them, she said: “It is always just another game but, of course, it is the first time I play against them.

“It is a club I have been a part of for three years so of course it is special.

“They are my good friends - but we are not friends on the pitch!”

Thorisdottir has teamed up in defence with fellow Norway international Guro Bergsvand and is happy with life playing for head coach Melissa Phillips.

The 30-year-old former Chelsea centre-back said: “I am enjoying it. I had a good conversation with Mel and the rest of the staff.

“It is a project I really wanted to be part of. I am looking forward to what is coming next.”

Thorisdottir is one of 11 summer arrivals but she is happy the new group have settled in well.

She added: “It’s a good group of people.

“Mel brings in people who fit well into the group.

“It is easy to get to know each other.

“We are an open group so I am very happy with the players we have got and I think we have created a bond already.”

Phillips confirmed selection could be affected by players’ worldwide travels over the international window but she said: “I don’t think there is any fear going into this game.”

The match is a late kick-off today at the Broadfield Stadium in Crawley and the scheduling has not impressed United boss Marc Skinner.

He said: “It will be interesting to see how many are at the game, because I’m sure, even local fans, with a 6.45pm kick-off, there’s school the next day, you’re probably deterring some of the younger fans who really want to see their heroes, or the players they want to be like in the future.”