Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction: Manchester United will likely draw 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion after extra time before winning on penalties, as the Red Devils hold a strong FA Cup record at Old Trafford despite their current managerial transition under caretaker Darren Fletcher, while Brighton’s squad rotation weakens their attacking options in this FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday, January 12, 2026.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FA Cup Third Round |
| Date | Sunday, January 12, 2026 |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Kick-off Time | 3:00 PM GMT |
| Manchester United Manager | Darren Fletcher (Caretaker) |
| Brighton Manager | Fabian Hurzeler |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Key Facts
- Manchester United enters this match without a permanent manager after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
- Darren Fletcher takes charge as caretaker manager following a 2-2 draw at Burnley.
- Brighton remains unbeaten in their last five FA Cup third-round matches since 2019-20.
- Manchester United has eliminated Brighton six times in FA Cup history, more than any other club.
- The Red Devils have not suffered a third-round exit since the 2013-14 season.
- Brighton seeks their first-ever FA Cup trophy after reaching the 1983 final.
- Manchester United currently sits on 13 FA Cup titles, tied with Arsenal’s record.
- Both teams drew their most recent Premier League fixtures.
On This Page
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Preview and Prediction
Manchester United faces Brighton & Hove Albion in a crucial FA Cup third-round encounter at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils find themselves in transition after parting ways with manager Ruben Amorim, with club legend Darren Fletcher stepping into the caretaker role.
Fletcher’s first match in charge saw Benjamin Sesko score his first Premier League brace, though the team could only manage a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley.
Brighton arrives at Old Trafford with confidence after holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
The Seagulls have established themselves as a formidable Premier League side under Fabian Hurzeler, though their recent form shows just one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The FA Cup represents different opportunities for both clubs. Manchester United seeks a path back into European competition while potentially matching Arsenal’s record of 14 FA Cup triumphs.
Brighton aims to break their trophy drought and build on their impressive rise from Championship contenders to Europa League participants.
Predicted Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Lineups and Formations
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Bayindir
Defense: Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw
Midfield: Mainoo, Ugarte
Attack: Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu
Striker: Sesko
Manchester United will likely deploy a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation under Fletcher. Kobbie Mainoo returns from injury and should replace Casemiro in central midfield.
Bruno Fernandes recovered from his recent fitness concerns and will orchestrate attacks from the number ten position.
Benjamin Sesko leads the line after his impressive double against Burnley.
Brighton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Steele
Defense: Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper
Midfield: Milner, Gross
Attack: Mitoma, Gomez, Watson
Striker: Welbeck
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed squad rotation for this fixture.
Jason Steele replaces regular goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, while Lewis Dunk returns to the starting eleven.
The 40-year-old James Milner brings experience to midfield, and Danny Welbeck faces his former club as the central striker.
Injury Report
Manchester United Injuries
Confirmed Absences:
- Matthijs de Ligt (back injury) – Out
International Duty:
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon – AFCON)
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast – AFCON)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco – AFCON)
Returned to Fitness:
- Bruno Fernandes (minor knock) – Available
- Kobbie Mainoo (undisclosed) – Available
- Harry Maguire (undisclosed) – Available
Brighton Injuries
Confirmed Absences:
- Mats Wieffer (toe injury) – Out
- Solly March (knee injury) – Out
- Adam Webster (knee injury) – Out
- Stefanos Tzimas (knee injury) – Out
Doubtful:
- Yankuba Minteh (dead leg) – 50/50
International Duty:
- Carlos Baleba (Cameroon – AFCON)
Expected to Return:
- Joel Veltman (knock) – Available
- Charalampos Kostoulas (knock) – Available
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Matthijs de Ligt’s absence weakens Manchester United’s defensive options, forcing Harry Maguire into the starting lineup.
The Dutch defender provides leadership and composure at the back, qualities the Red Devils will miss against Brighton’s dynamic attack.
Carlos Baleba’s absence for Brighton removes their most energetic midfielder.
The Cameroon international has been crucial in breaking up opposition attacks and driving forward with the ball.
His unavailability forces Hurzeler to rely on the experienced James Milner, who offers different qualities but lacks Baleba’s physical presence.
The absence of three Manchester United players at AFCON reduces squad depth significantly.
Amad Diallo’s creativity and Mazraoui’s defensive reliability would strengthen Fletcher’s options, particularly in a competition where squad rotation typically occurs.
Where to Watch Live?
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App, TalkSport Radio UK
United States: ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App
Canada: Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Plus
Australia: Stan Sport
Germany: DAZN Germany
France: beIN Sports MAX 8, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, myCANAL
Middle East: beIN Sports HD 1, beIN Sports English, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD
Africa: SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League ROA
Statistical Analysis and Head-to-Head
Recent Form
Manchester United (Last 5 matches): D-D-D-W-L
The Red Devils have drawn three consecutive Premier League matches, showing inconsistency under Amorim before his departure.
Brighton (Last 5 matches): D-W-D-L-D
Brighton secured just one victory in their last five fixtures, struggling for consistency despite competitive performances.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester United dominates this fixture historically. The most recent encounter in October 2025 saw United triumph 4-2 at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils scoring four goals in a commanding display.
However, Brighton won 1-3 at Old Trafford in January 2025, demonstrating their capability to upset the hosts.
Brighton defeated Manchester United 4-0 at the Amex Stadium in May 2024, their largest victory in this fixture.
The Seagulls have won three of the last ten meetings between these sides, showing significant improvement in recent years.
In FA Cup competition, Brighton and Manchester United met in the 2023 semi-final, where United prevailed on penalties after a goalless draw.
The Red Devils have eliminated Brighton six times in FA Cup history, establishing psychological dominance in this competition.
Tactical Analysis
Manchester United will likely adopt a more direct approach under Fletcher compared to Amorim’s possession-based system.
The caretaker manager favors quick transitions and utilizing Sesko’s physical presence.
Matheus Cunha could become the fifth Premier League player since 1992 to score in five successive FA Cup games, joining an elite group including Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku.
Brighton employs a possession-oriented style under Hurzeler, building attacks patiently from the back.
The Seagulls excel at pressing high and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
Kaoru Mitoma’s pace on the left wing poses constant threats, while Pascal Gross provides creativity from deeper positions.
Read All Soccer Predictions.
Key Players to Watch
Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United)
The Slovenian striker scored his first Premier League brace against Burnley and carries momentum into this fixture.
His physical attributes and finishing ability make him dangerous in the penalty area.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
The young midfielder returns from injury at a crucial time.
Many expect Mainoo to flourish without Amorim’s tactical restrictions, bringing energy and progressive passing to United’s midfield.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
The former Manchester United striker faces his old club with experience and composure.
Welbeck’s movement and link-up play remain valuable assets for Brighton’s attack.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
The Japanese winger’s pace and dribbling ability terrorize defenders.
Mitoma creates chances through individual brilliance and combines effectively with teammates.
Current Standings
Premier League Table (Relevant positions):
Manchester United currently occupies a mid-table position, struggling to challenge for European qualification spots.
The Red Devils need cup success to salvage their season and secure continental football.
Brighton sits comfortably in the top half, reflecting their consistent performances under Hurzeler.
The Seagulls have established themselves as a stable Premier League club with European ambitions.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
This match presents uncertainty given Manchester United’s managerial transition.
Fletcher’s appointment brings temporary stability, but tactical adjustments require time.
Brighton’s squad rotation weakens their starting eleven, though experienced players like Milner and Dunk provide leadership.
Manchester United’s home advantage and superior FA Cup pedigree favor the hosts.
However, Brighton’s recent record at Old Trafford suggests they can compete effectively.
The abolishment of FA Cup replays means extra time and penalties could decide this encounter.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 1-1 Brighton (After Extra Time – Manchester United wins on penalties)
Both teams will approach this match cautiously, with defensive organization prioritized.
The lack of a clear winner after 120 minutes reflects evenly matched squads.
Manchester United’s experience in high-pressure situations gives them the edge in a penalty shootout, continuing their FA Cup tradition and progressing to the fourth round.
FAQs
Where To Watch Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Live?
Fans can watch Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 2 in the United Kingdom, while viewers in the United States can stream the FA Cup third-round match on ESPN Select and fuboTV, and international audiences across 150+ countries have access through broadcasters like DAZN (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland), beIN Sports (Middle East and France), SuperSport (Africa), and Stan Sport (Australia) on Sunday, January 12, 2026.
Who Will Win Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match?
Manchester United holds the advantage to win against Brighton & Hove Albion based on their superior FA Cup history with 13 titles and home record at Old Trafford, though the Red Devils face uncertainty under caretaker manager Darren Fletcher following Ruben Amorim’s departure, while Brighton’s recent 4-2 loss at Old Trafford in October 2025 and planned squad rotation for this FA Cup third-round tie weakens their chances despite holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in their last match.
What is Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match Kick-Off Time?
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion kicks off at 3:00 PM GMT (10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST) on Sunday, January 12, 2026, at Old Trafford in Manchester, as both teams compete in the FA Cup third-round with no replays allowed under the current competition format, meaning the match will proceed to extra time and penalties if the score remains level after 90 minutes.
Are There Any Injuries in Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match?
Manchester United will miss defender Matthijs de Ligt due to a back injury and three players at AFCON (Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui), while Brighton & Hove Albion cannot field Mats Wieffer (toe), Solly March (knee), Adam Webster (knee), Stefanos Tzimas (knee), and Carlos Baleba (AFCON duty), though both teams welcome key returns as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire are available for United while Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas recovered for Brighton with Yankuba Minteh remaining doubtful with a dead leg injury.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match?
The predicted score for Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion is 1-1 after extra time with Manchester United winning on penalties, as the Red Devils’ managerial transition under caretaker Darren Fletcher creates tactical uncertainty while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed squad rotation that weakens their starting lineup, though Brighton’s defensive organization and recent competitive performances against top teams suggest they will force the match beyond 90 minutes before United’s FA Cup experience prevails in the shootout.
Brighton & Hove Albion Standing with Points?
Brighton & Hove Albion currently sits in the top half of the Premier League table with a comfortable mid-table position, as the Seagulls have established themselves as consistent performers under manager Fabian Hurzeler despite winning just one of their last eight matches across all competitions, maintaining their status as Europa League contenders while building on their impressive transformation from Championship challengers to established Premier League competitors.
Manchester United Standing With Points?
Manchester United occupies a mid-table position in the Premier League standings far below their traditional top-four expectations, as the Red Devils struggle with inconsistency following three consecutive draws before Ruben Amorim’s departure and currently sit outside European qualification spots, making FA Cup success crucial for securing continental football next season and salvaging a disappointing 2025-26 campaign under caretaker manager Darren Fletcher.