Manchester United begin their pursuit of a third FA Cup final in four seasons when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a compelling third-round encounter.
Still adjusting to life after Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley in midweek Premier League action, while Brighton followed up an impressive run of performances by frustrating Manchester City in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
With the club hierarchy continuing to weigh up long-term managerial options — including familiar names such as Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — it was another former United figure, Darren Fletcher, who took charge as caretaker for the trip to Turf Moor.
Fletcher’s first outing on the touchline delivered entertainment if not victory. Benjamin Sesko enjoyed his most productive league performance in a United shirt, netting twice against Burnley, but defensive lapses proved costly. Ayden Heaven’s own goal and a superb long-range strike from Jaidon Anthony ensured the points were shared.
That result extended United’s run of draws to three consecutive Premier League matches, a continuation of the inconsistency that defined the latter stages of Amorim’s tenure. However, with FA Cup replays now abolished, there will be no margin for indecision this weekend — a winner must emerge at Old Trafford.
Despite their struggles in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, United rarely falter at this stage of the competition. The Red Devils have not exited the FA Cup in the third round since the 2013–14 season, although last year’s campaign ended in disappointment with a fifth-round defeat to Fulham.
Victory in the competition this season would not only provide silverware but also European qualification, while equalling Arsenal’s record haul of 14 FA Cup triumphs — a tempting proposition for whoever ultimately takes the permanent reins at Old Trafford.
Brighton, by contrast, are still chasing their first major domestic trophy. Yet the Seagulls’ rise from Championship hopefuls to consistent European challengers suggests that silverware may be the logical next milestone.
The South Coast club were FA Cup finalists once before, back in 1983, when they were narrowly beaten by Manchester United in a replay. Since then, Brighton have generally negotiated the third round with confidence, winning 14 of their last 16 ties at this stage.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have progressed from each of their last five third-round appearances, reaching the semi-finals in 2022–23 and the quarter-finals last season, although penalty shootouts brought heartbreak on both occasions.
Brighton have already shown they can compete with elite opposition in 2026, holding Manchester City to a draw in midweek. However, that result leaves them with just one win in their last eight matches across all competitions, and their away form remains a concern. The Seagulls have managed only one victory on the road since October — a run that includes a 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this season.
History also favours United, who have knocked Brighton out of the FA Cup on six occasions, more than any other club.
Injuries & Suspensions
Manchester United received a timely boost at Burnley with the return of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo from injury. Mainoo, in particular, is expected to play a central role under Fletcher, potentially replacing Casemiro in midfield.Harry Maguire was fit enough for the bench in midweek, leaving Matthijs de Ligt as United’s sole injury concern. However, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable due to their involvement in the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Matheus Cunha will be aiming to make history by becoming just the fifth Premier League player to score in five consecutive FA Cup matches, following in the footsteps of Marc Overmars, Darren Bent, Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas are expected to be fit after missing the Manchester City draw with minor knocks. Yankuba Minteh remains a doubt, while Mats Wieffer, Solly March, Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas are all sidelined with knee or toe issues.
Carlos Baleba is also unavailable due to Cameroon’s continued involvement at AFCON. Hurzeler has hinted at rotation, opening the door for players such as Jason Steele, club captain Lewis Dunk and veteran midfielder James Milner to start.
Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester United:Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Mainoo, Ugarte; Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Milner, Gross; Mitoma, Gomez, Watson; Welbeck
Expert Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Brighton
