Manchester United welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday evening as the FA Cup third round delivers one of its standout ties. With kick-off approaching, there is no live score yet, but anticipation is high for a competitive encounter between two Premier League sides in contrasting circumstances.
Match Context
United enter the tie under the guidance of interim head coach Darren Fletcher, looking to harness home advantage and the club’s strong FA Cup pedigree. Brighton arrive full of confidence after earning a credible 1–1 draw away at Manchester City in midweek, underlining their growing reputation as a side capable of troubling top opponents.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK and ESPN+ in the United States, with streaming available via the ESPN app. VAR will be in operation at Old Trafford.
Team News
Manchester United
United receive a timely boost with the returns of Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo following recent absences. Maguire is expected to be managed carefully after his recovery. However, Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo remain unavailable due to AFCON duty, while Matthijs de Ligt is sidelined with injury.
Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1):
Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Højlund.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are without Mats Wieffer and Solly March, while Yankuba Minteh is a doubt. Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas are expected to be available. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler has indicated he will rotate his squad, though the recent addition of Pascal Groß , signed from Borussia Dortmund, provides a significant creative boost in attack.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United boast a flawless FA Cup record against Brighton, winning all six previous ties, some requiring replays or penalty shootouts. Recent league meetings, however, suggest a more balanced rivalry. United claimed a 4–2 home win in October 2025, but Brighton have enjoyed success in several encounters before that and remain unbeaten in six of the last nine matches against the Red Devils.
What to Expect
United are likely to control possession and look to their attacking trio of Rashford, Garnacho, and Fernandes to unlock Brighton’s defense. Brighton, meanwhile, are expected to press aggressively and exploit transitions, a tactic that has troubled United in recent seasons.
Prediction
Pundits are leaning toward a narrow Manchester United victory — 2–1 being a popular forecast — citing Old Trafford advantage and United’s strong FA Cup history. However, Brighton’s recent form and confidence against top sides mean an upset cannot be ruled out.
With both teams viewing the FA Cup as a realistic route to silverware, Sunday’s encounter promises intensity, quality, and potentially drama under the Old Trafford lights.
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