Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon knowing the FA Cup is our only realistic chance for silverware. Brighton have often presented a ‘banana skin’ for United, but this competition – and this ground – should hopefully give us the edge.
Darren Fletcher takes charge for a second game as interim head coach following Ruben Amorim’s departure, with United looking to turn encouraging moments from midweek into something more decisive.
Manchester United Team News
United’s squad is in better shape than it has been for several weeks, though absences remain.
Matthijs de Ligt is still sidelined with a back issue, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo remain unavailable due to AFCON commitments. Noussair Mazraoui is also away on international duty.
There is more positive news elsewhere. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount both returned to the matchday squad against Burnley and are pushing for greater involvement, while Harry Maguire is back fit and available after appearing on the bench in midweek.
Benjamin Sesko comes into the tie in form after his brace at Turf Moor, and Matheus Cunha will be looking to continue an excellent FA Cup scoring record. Shea Lacey impressed in his cameo against Burnley – we expect him to start on the bench.
Brighton Team News
Brighton travel without several regulars. Carlos Baleba is away at AFCON, while Stefanos Tzimas remains out long-term with an ACL injury. Mats Wieffer, Solly March and Adam Webster are also sidelined.
Yankuba Minteh is a doubt after picking up a knock, though Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas are expected to be available. Fabian Hürzeler has hinted at rotation, with the league still the priority.
The Context
Brighton have won three of their last four league visits to Old Trafford and will arrive believing they can unsettle United again. That confidence is understandable.
The FA Cup, however, tells a different story. United have won all six previous FA Cup meetings between the sides and have been knocked out at this stage just twice in the last 40 third-round ties.
For Fletcher, this is a chance to steady things and bring a bit of feel-good back to Old Trafford. For the players, it’s an opportunity to show that standards do not slip simply because the situation around them has changed.
Recent Form
Manchester United:
D L W D D D
Brighton & Hove Albion:
L D L D W D
Tactical Focus
United are expected to stick with a back four after reverting to it at Burnley. The emphasis should be on control rather than chaos, keeping Brighton away from fast transitions and using width to stretch a side that prefers compact central areas.
Casemiro and Ugarte provide physical security in midfield, allowing Cunha and Dorgu to attack from wide positions while Zirkzee operates between the lines. Much of United’s threat will depend on how quickly they move the ball forward once possession is regained.
Brighton will look to draw United out and exploit spaces behind the full-backs, but that risk is reduced if United manage the tempo properly.
Predicted XI
Lammens;
Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Dorgu;
Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo
Zirkzee, Sesko, Cunha.
Prediction
Brighton are organised, well coached and comfortable playing away from home, but this feels like a game United need, and will be right up for.
If United stay disciplined and avoid gifting momentum, there should be enough quality to edge it..
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton
