Man United vs Brighton: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Man Utd face FA Cup test amid ongoing transition

The FA Cup has often provided Manchester United with moments of clarity during periods of uncertainty, and Sunday’s third round meeting with Brighton arrives at another unsettled juncture. With Ruben Amorim dismissed earlier this week, United continue their post Amorim era under the temporary stewardship of Darren Fletcher, as focus briefly shifts away from boardroom debate and back onto the pitch.

Photo IMAGO

United were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley in midweek, a game that at least offered attacking encouragement through two goals from Benjamin Sesko. Fletcher, now balancing his role as Under-18s head coach with first team duties, will again lead the side while the club hold discussions with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick over a caretaker appointment until the end of the campaign.

Photo IMAGO

For now, though, the FA Cup represents United’s sole remaining route to silverware. With no European football and an early Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby last year, progress in this competition carries added significance for morale and momentum.

Brighton return to Manchester with confidence

Brighton’s return to Manchester comes with a degree of confidence earned the hard way. Fabian Hurzeler’s side followed up a 1-1 draw at West Ham with a 2-0 win over Burnley, before holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in midweek. Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Erling Haaland’s penalty at the Etihad, underlining Brighton’s capacity to frustrate elite opposition.

Photo IMAGO

Currently 11th in the Premier League, Brighton’s form has fluctuated, yet they remain unbeaten in their last three matches. Hurzeler’s teams are organised, aggressive and tactically brave, traits that have troubled United repeatedly in recent seasons.

Team news offers Fletcher options

United’s squad situation is steadier than it has been in recent weeks. Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo continue their AFCON involvement. Otherwise, Fletcher has options, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount both returning at Turf Moor. Harry Maguire was an unused substitute in midweek and could feature here.

Photo IMAGO

Brighton are less fortunate. They hope Yankuba Minteh can recover from a knock, while Carlos Baleba is away at AFCON. Stefanos Tzimas is ruled out long term with an ACL injury, alongside Charalampos Kostoulas, Joel Veltman, Mats Wieffer, Solly March and Adam Webster.

Photo IMAGO

History favours Brighton but stakes favour Man Utd

Brighton have become a persistent irritant for United, winning at Old Trafford in 2022, 2023 and 2025. They remain awkward opponents, well drilled and unafraid to attack structural weaknesses. United’s defence still appears fragile, yet there is often a short term lift when familiar faces step into the dugout.

Back on home soil, with the FA Cup offering respite from Premier League pressure, United may find just enough edge to progress.

Prediction: Man Utd to win, 1-0.

Head to head record:Man Utd wins 22Brighton wins 9Draws 5