Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Interim manager Darren Fletcher will be in charge for the second straight game, as Manchester United host Brighton in the third round of this season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday night.
With both teams exiting early in the EFL Cup and given their places in the Premier League table, the FA Cup is their only realistic chance of getting their hands on silverware this season.
Both teams are fresh from league draws the last time out, as Manchester United drew 2-2 against Burnley, while Brighton shared the spoils with Manchester City in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday. They’re undefeated in their last three games, so something has to give when they clash again.
The Seagulls have been a thorn in the side of the Red Devils in recent years, especially at Old Trafford, so this is an acid test for Fletcher, as the hosts are still sorting out their new head coach search.
Talking Points
Sesko breaks his duck at Manchester United
A few days after Ruben Amorim’s departure, Manchester United ditched the 3-4-3 formation for a 4-2-3-1, and Benjamin Sesko was the main beneficiary. Interim boss Darren Fletcher must have drilled into his players that they should feed Sesko in the final third at all costs, and the Slovenian striker repaid his trust.
Manchester United had 24 total shots with eight on target and 65-per cent possession. After an own goal by Ayden Heaven early in the first half, Sesko bagged a brace in the second half to put his team ahead, courtesy of dimes from Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu. However, his effort was wasted when the Red Devils conceded an equaliser from Jaidon Anthony in the 66th minute. Before this, Sesko was on a nine-match goal drought.
Shea Lacey almost won it for Manchester United when he came off the bench to replace Matheus Cunha and fired a wonderful curler that hit the crossbar. The 18-year-old winger could get more playing time against Brighton for his bravery. Midfielders Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes should also play heavy minutes after their recent injury lay-offs. Veteran centre-back Harry Maguire could return to the pitch after being an unused substitute.
The Red Devils will continue to be without Matthijs de Ligt due to injury, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo remain unavailable due to the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations knockouts.
Brighton have a worrying absentee list
Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke was in a buoyant mood, following their 1-1 draw against Manchester City, as he believes that they can go toe-to-toe with the best sides in England. The Seagulls absorbed immense pressure from the Sky Blues, who had 20 shots on target (compared to Brighton’s seven). They conceded a penalty from Erling Haaland before halftime, but Kaoru Mitoma came to the rescue with an equaliser in the hour mark.
However, the odds are stacked against Fabian Hurzeler’s side, as he’ll miss Solly March, Joel Veltman, Charalampos Kostoulas, Adam Webster, Mats Wieffer, and Stefanos Tzimas due to injuries, while Carlos Baleba is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
History
Manchester United won 4-2 against Brighton in their first Premier League game this season at Old Trafford last October, as Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, and Bryan Mbeumo (brace) were on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, while Danny Welbeck and Charalampos Kostoulas scored for the Seagulls. Brighton are not intimidated by Manchester United, as they’ve won at Old Trafford in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
In the FA Cup, these two teams last met in the 2023 semi-finals. After a goalless affair in regulation, Manchester United won 7-6 in the penalty shootout before losing 2-1 to Manchester City in the final. The Red Devils got their revenge against the Sky Blues a season later.
Betting Tip
Manchester City couldn’t get it done against Brighton, but the FA Cup 2026 odds believe that Manchester United can do it this weekend. The Red Devils are pegged at 1.84 to advance to the next round, whereas Brighton are at 3.32 to win, and a draw is valued at 3.38 in the 1X2 market.
Given their leaky defences, there will be new FA Cup 2026 highlights at Old Trafford on Saturday. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors may also consider adding Over 2.75 at 1.72, Over 3.00 at 1.96, and Total Goals 4-6 at 2.08 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 4-2 in favour of Manchester United – the result of their previous meeting – will give you a handsome payday of 46.00.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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