Mainoo in from the off: Predicted United line-up vs Brighton after Fletcher confirms injury status of ‘perfect’ star

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·10 January 2026

Mainoo in from the off: Predicted United line-up vs Brighton after Fletcher confirms injury status of ‘perfect’ star

Our predicted Manchester United line-up for tomorrow afternoon’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils kick off their campaign against a frequent bogey opponent in the form of the Seagulls.

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Prior to United’s hard-earned 4-2 Premier League victory in October, Brighton had been successful in three successive league visits to the stadium, becoming just the second team to record a trio of consecutive wins in M16.

This time around, it’s cup action that brings the clubs together, with the tie one of only four fixtures in the third round of the competition to be held between two Premier League teams.

How Brighton and United fare before Old Trafford meeting

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In regard to how each has fared in the build-up to Sunday’s encounter, Fabian Hurzeler’s men are unbeaten in their last three outings, overseeing two draws and a win. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad.

As for United, who are still in managerial disarray following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday, they have dropped points in their last three, which were all against sides ranked 16th or below in the table.

While they weren’t defeated in that time, the Reds drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers (20th) and Leeds United (16th) and then 2-2 with Burnley (19th) on Wednesday night.

Their last win was a narrow 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

United’s team news for Seagulls tie

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Regarding Darren Fletcher’s options for tomorrow, he confirmed that, whilst available, Harry Maguire isn’t ready to start just yet.

The centre-half has previously been hailed as ‘perfect’ by Amorim, and will be chomping at the bit to get back into the action – especially now we’re officially in a World Cup year.

Aside from that, the team is expected to look the same as it did midweek.

Predicted starting XI

Bayindir; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Cunha, Fernandes (C), Dorgu; Zirkzee.

Altay Bayindir is likely to come in for Senne Lammens between the sticks, while Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could be utilised from the off to grant them some much-desired game time.