Brighton will be eager to take on managerless Man United and look to come away from Old Trafford with their place in the FA Cup intact
18:11, 09 Jan 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Manchester United, in pursuit of a third FA Cup final appearance in four seasons, begin their campaign with a third-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday. Still without a permanent manager, the Red Devils opened the post-Ruben Amorim era with a 2-2 draw at Burnley in midweek Premier League action, while Brighton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw, denting the champions' title hopes.
As club officials consider candidates like Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the managerial vacancy, another former United figure, Darren Fletcher, took charge as caretaker and oversaw a thrilling four-goal encounter at Turf Moor. Fletcher’s temporary leadership seemed to inspire Benjamin Sesko, who netted his first Premier League brace against Scott Parker’s struggling Burnley side. However, an own goal from Ayden Heaven and a stunning strike by Jaidon Anthony denied United all three points.
United’s draw at Burnley marked their third consecutive stalemate in the league, mirroring the inconsistency that plagued the end of Amorim’s tenure. However, with FA Cup replays now abolished, Sunday’s tie must produce a winner.
Despite ongoing struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United have not exited the FA Cup in the third round since the 2013-14 season, though they did fall to Fulham in the fifth round last year. Should they go all the way in 2025-26, United would match Arsenal’s record of 14 FA Cup triumphs and secure a route back to European competition for their next long-term manager.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have already frustrated one Manchester giant this year with their draw at the Etihad, but that result leaves them with just one win from their last eight matches. Brighton have also managed only a single away victory since October—a run that includes a 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford—and have been eliminated from the FA Cup by United six times, more than by any other club.
Man United vs Brighton Team News
Manchester United’s midfield received a boost at Burnley with the return of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo from injury. Mainoo, in particular, is expected to play a key role in a potential Red Devils resurgence following Ruben Amorim’s departure. Harry Maguire was also back on the bench after his own fitness concerns, leaving Matthijs de Ligt (back) as the only notable absentee for the hosts. However, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable as they continue their campaigns in the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
A possible change in midfield could see Mainoo replace Casemiro, while Matheus Cunha is aiming to become just the fifth player in Premier League history to score in five consecutive FA Cup matches, joining the likes of Marc Overmars, Darren Bent, Wayne Rooney, and Romelu Lukaku.
On the Brighton side, manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas—both of whom missed the draw with Manchester City due to minor injuries—are on track to be available for Sunday’s match. Yankuba Minteh (dead leg) remains a doubt, while Mats Wieffer (toe), Solly March (knee), Adam Webster (knee), and Stefanos Tzimas (knee) are still sidelined. Additionally, reported Manchester United target Carlos Baleba is absent as he continues to represent Cameroon at AFCON.
Hurzeler also announced in his press conference that he plans to rotate his squad for the trip to Old Trafford, potentially giving opportunities to the likes of Jason Steele, former United striker Lewis Dunk, and the evergreen 40-year-old James Milner.
Man United vs Brighton Prediction
- Brighton to win and both teams to score - 5/1 (Betfred)
- Charalampos Kostoulas to score anytime - 3/1 (Betfred)
18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change
FA Cup Betting Offer
If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.
Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here.
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only
READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers
Gamble responsibly
Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.