Manchester United Starting XI v Brighton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United vs Brighton: Predicted Lineup and Injury Latest for FA Cup Clash

Manchester United’s relationship with the FA Cup has always carried a sense of history and obligation. It is a competition that has framed eras, rescued seasons and, on occasion, exposed uncomfortable truths. As Brighton arrive at Old Trafford for this third-round tie, United do so in a state of flux, with the spotlight firmly on team selection, fitness updates and the short-term direction of a club still searching for clarity.

This preview is based on reporting from the Evening Standard, whose coverage has outlined the key selection calls facing interim boss Darren Fletcher as United attempt to balance recovery, rotation and necessity.

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Interim authority and tactical continuity

Fletcher’s brief spell in charge has been defined less by revolution and more by stability. Against Burnley in midweek, United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape that prioritised structure over adventure, and there is little expectation of wholesale change for the visit of Brighton.

The emphasis, instead, is on managing minutes. United are slowly reintegrating players who have either been sidelined or marginalised, and this FA Cup tie represents an opportunity to test readiness without the relentless pressure of league positioning. Old Trafford, on a Sunday afternoon, offers both familiarity and scrutiny.

The midfield is where the balance feels most delicate. Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for just his second start of the season, having returned from injury with a substitute appearance that hinted at rhythm rather than sharpness. Alongside him, Manuel Ugarte is expected to provide defensive cover, allowing United’s attacking midfielders to operate with greater freedom.

Selection dilemmas across the pitch

Goalkeeper is one of the more intriguing decisions. Fletcher must choose between Senne Lammens and Altay Bayındir, neither of whom has yet made the position their own. The FA Cup, historically, has been kind to goalkeepers seeking a foothold, but it can also be unforgiving when uncertainty creeps in.

In defence, familiarity is likely to win out. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are expected to operate as full-backs, offering width and progression from deep areas. At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez is set to anchor the line, partnered by Leny Yoro, whose composure has been one of the quieter positives in an uneven campaign.

Further forward, the creative responsibility will almost certainly fall to Bruno Fernandes. He remains United’s emotional and tactical reference point, a player who can impose order or chaos depending on the moment. Mason Mount, having returned from injury, is pushing for involvement, but his minutes are likely to be managed carefully.

Teenager Shea Lacey is another name attracting attention. The winger could be handed a rare start, emblematic of a club increasingly reliant on youth to inject energy and unpredictability into its play.

Injury latest and availability update

United’s injury list has begun to shorten, though it remains significant. Matthijs de Ligt is still sidelined and will play no part in this tie, while Harry Maguire has only recently returned to the matchday squad. Fletcher has been clear that Maguire’s involvement, if any, will be cautious, with workload management taking precedence over urgency.

There is also clarity on who will not feature. Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments, removing several attacking and defensive options from consideration. Fletcher has confirmed that no late returns are expected, meaning selection continuity from the Burnley draw is likely.

Notably, speculation around the inclusion of a 15-year-old prospect has been firmly shut down. Despite FA Cup regulations allowing younger players to feature, Fletcher has ruled out any such involvement, emphasising development over novelty.

Predicted Man Utd XI and match context

Based on current form, fitness and Fletcher’s recent comments, the predicted Man Utd XI is expected to line up as follows:

Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Ugarte; Lacey, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.

It is a side that blends recovery with responsibility, youth with experience. Benjamin Sesko, fresh from scoring twice at Burnley, will lead the line with confidence, tasked with translating midweek momentum into knockout impact.

Brighton, meanwhile, arrive as a reminder of modern efficiency and coherence. They are well-drilled, unafraid and capable of exploiting hesitation. For United, this tie is less about silverware in January and more about direction. The FA Cup has a habit of revealing truths, and this fixture will offer another chapter in a season still searching for definition.