Preview before the match: Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion, FA Cup third round | Venue: Old Trafford, 11 Jan 2026, 23:30 GMT+7.
On 10 January 2026, Manchester United are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round this Sunday night, one of the few ties this round featuring two Premier League teams.
Although Manchester United won 4-2 at Old Trafford in their most recent league meeting last October, Brighton had previously won three consecutive matches at this stadium.
However, in the FA Cup, the record clearly favors the “Red Devils.”
Notable form before the game
Under manager Fabian Herzeleer, Brighton have been consistent, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions (1 win, 2 draws), including a 1-1 draw away at Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are still in transition after sacking Ruben Amorim on Monday. Their last three league matches have all ended in draws, all against teams ranked 16th or below.
Draw 1-1 against Wolverhampton (20th place)
Draw 1-1 against Leeds United (16th place)
Draw 2-2 against Burnley (19th place)
Manchester United's last win was on Boxing Day, narrowly beating Newcastle United 1-0.
Manchester United team readiness
Darren Fletcher confirmed that Harry Maguire is named in the squad but is not fully fit to start, despite previously being praised by Ruben Amorim as a “perfect” defender.
Otherwise, Manchester United are expected to field the same lineup as their midweek game, with Kobby Menu likely to start again from the beginning.
Interesting statistics before the game
Manchester United and Brighton have met 36 times.
Manchester United have won 22 of those matches.
They have drawn 5 times.
Brighton have won 9 times.
They have met 6 times in the FA Cup, with Manchester United winning every match.
The most recent was the 2022/23 semi-final, where Manchester United won on penalties.
Brighton have been eliminated by Manchester United 6 times in the FA Cup, more than any other opponent.
Predicted Manchester United starting eleven
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Lenny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
Defensive midfielders: Casemiro, Kobby Menu
Attacking midfielders: Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes (captain), Dorgu
Forward: Joshua Sergi