Manchester United vs Brighton — Match Preview
A blockbuster FA Cup Third Round tie takes center stage at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday, 11 January 2026, as Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion. The Red Devils are in a state of transition under caretaker manager Darren Fletcher following a turbulent period. They come into this game off the back of two frustrating league draws (2–2 vs Burnley, 1–1 vs Leeds), leaving them desperate for a morale-boosting cup run. Brighton, conversely, are flying high under Fabian Hürzeler. The Seagulls snatched an impressive 1–1 draw away at Manchester City just days ago and will arrive at Old Trafford fearless, aiming to replicate their recent victories on this ground. With United’s defense makeshift and Brighton’s attack potent, this promises to be the tie of the round.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Match Info
- Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (Capacity: 75,635)
- Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
- Kickoff: 16:30 GMT | 17:30 CET | 11:30 ET
- Referee: Simon Hooper (ENG)
Manchester United vs Brighton — Match Stakes
Manchester United:
- Win → Advances to the 4th Round; provides Darren Fletcher his first big win and stabilizes the rocking ship.
- Draw → Forces a replay at the Amex Stadium—a fixture nightmare they cannot afford.
- Loss → Early cup exit; effectively ends their hopes for silverware this season given their league position.
Brighton:
- Win → Claims another “Big Six” scalp; cements their status as genuine cup contenders.
- Draw → Takes the tie back to the South Coast where they are incredibly strong.
- Loss → Disappointing, but allows full focus on their push for European spots in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Team News
Manchester United:
- Mbeumo B. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Cameroon)
- Mazraoui N. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Morocco)
- Amad D. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Ivory Coast)
- De Ligt M. — Out (Back Injury – Defensive Leader Missing)
- Malacia T. — Out (Fitness)
- Martinez L. — Questionable (Rest/Rotation likely)
- Rotation: Altay Bayindir is expected to start in goal. Young sensation Shea Lacey could be handed a start on the wing, while Kobbie Mainoo returns to the engine room.
Brighton:
- Baleba C. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Cameroon)
- March S. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Webster A. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Tzimas S. — Out (Cruciate Ligament Injury)
- Wieffer M. — Questionable (Toe Injury)
- Minteh Y. — Questionable (Thigh Injury – Late fitness test)
- Veltman J. — Questionable (Knock)
- Key Return: Kaoru Mitoma is fit and expected to terrorize United’s right flank.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Manchester United
- 08/01 — 2–2 vs Burnley (Premier League)
- 04/01 — 1–1 vs Leeds United (Premier League)
- 31/12 — 1–1 vs Wolves (Premier League)
- 27/12 — 1–0 vs Newcastle (Premier League)
- 21/12 — 1–2 vs Aston Villa (Premier League)
Brighton
- 08/01 — 1–1 vs Man City (Premier League)
- 03/01 — 2–0 vs Burnley (Premier League)
- 31/12 — 2–2 vs West Ham (Premier League)
- 27/12 — 1–2 vs Arsenal (Premier League)
- 20/12 — 0–0 vs Sunderland (Premier League)
Manchester United vs Brighton — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 25/10/2025 — Manchester Utd 4–2 Brighton (Premier League)
- 19/01/2025 — Manchester Utd 1–3 Brighton (Premier League)
- 24/08/2024 — Brighton 2–1 Manchester Utd (Premier League)
- 19/05/2024 — Brighton 0–2 Manchester Utd (Premier League)
- 16/09/2023 — Manchester Utd 1–3 Brighton (Premier League)
Manchester United vs Brighton — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Ayari, Gilmour; Rutter, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Manchester United vs Brighton — Impact Bench
Manchester United: Lacey (Academy star), Zirkzee (Link-up play), Mount (Energy)
Brighton: Welbeck (Experience), Adingra (Pace), Enciso (Long shots)
Manchester United vs Brighton — Tactical Analysis
Manchester United
Under Fletcher, United have reverted to a 4-2-3-1. Without the width of Mbeumo or Amad, they are heavily reliant on Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha cutting inside. The key will be winning the midfield battle; Kobbie Mainoo must bypass Brighton’s press. United’s vulnerability is in transition—if Harry Maguire plays high, Brighton’s speed will kill them.
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler’s side are masters of baiting the press. They will invite United onto them and then explode through the lines via Joao Pedro and Billy Gilmour. Kaoru Mitoma vs Diogo Dalot is the defining matchup; if Mitoma isolates Dalot, Brighton will create chances at will. They will target United’s young center-back Leny Yoro (if he starts) with Evan Ferguson’s physicality.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Key Battles
- Sesko vs Dunk — United’s in-form striker vs Brighton’s captain.
- Fernandes vs Gilmour — The creative battle in the center of the park.
- Dalot vs Mitoma — Can the Portuguese defender stop the Japanese winger without help?
- Maguire vs Ferguson — A heavyweight physical duel in the box.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Spotlight Players
Manchester United — Benjamin Sesko
The Slovenian striker has scored 3 goals in his last 4 games. With United struggling for creativity, his clinical finishing is their best hope of progressing.
Brighton — Joao Pedro
Operating in the “hole,” Pedro connects Brighton’s play beautifully. His ability to turn and drive at United’s defense (missing De Ligt) could be the game-changer.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Prediction
Manchester United 2–2 Brighton (Brighton to win on penalties or Replay)
Note: FA Cup Third Round has replays if drawn.
Manchester United are fragile, and Brighton are fearless away from home. Both teams have significant absentees due to AFCON, but Brighton’s system is more robust. Expect a high-scoring thriller where United’s individual brilliance (Fernandes/Sesko) cancels out Brighton’s tactical superiority, leading to a replay at the Amex.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — High Probability (United leaky at home; Brighton always score).
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely.
- Evan Ferguson to Score — Value Bet.
Manchester United vs Brighton — Where to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: ESPN+
- International: Sony LIV (India), BeIN Sports
Manchester United vs Brighton — FAQs
Q: When is the Man Utd vs Brighton match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at 16:30 GMT.
Q: Is Bryan Mbeumo playing for United?
A: No. He is away on international duty with Cameroon for AFCON 2026.
Q: Will there be a replay if it’s a draw?
A: Yes. FA Cup Third Round matches go to a replay at the away team’s ground if the score is level after 90 minutes.
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