Manchester United’s dismal season continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.
United started brightly but could not find a way past Seagulls keeper Jason Steele, and Brajan Gruda opened the scoring in the 12th minute against the run of play.
From there United struggled to get back into the game, with Danny Welbeck doubling the hosts’ lead in the second half with his eighth goal against his former side.
Benjamin Sesko produced a late consolation goal and Old Trafford instantly revived as United pressed for an equaliser, but not even the introduction of Harry Maguire could rescue the game - and the season.
Teenage substitute Shea Lacey was a rare bright spark for the hosts on his FA Cup debut, but he received a second yellow for dissent and was sent off late on to compound United’s woes.
For United, this was the first time they have fallen at the first hurdle in both cup competitions since the 1981-82 season; for Brighton, this was sweet revenge for the 1983 final, and their first FA Cup victory over the Red Devils.
Follow all the action with The Independent’s liveblog here:
Manchester United v Brighton | FA Cup live
- Manchester United take on Brighton in FA Cup third round | Live on TNT Sports
- '89 RED CARD! Shea Lacey gets second yellow as United reduced to 10 [MUN 1-2 BHA]
- '85 GOAL! Benjamin Sesko scores third in two matches for United lifeline [MUN 1-2 BHA]
- '65 GOAL! Danny Welbeck doubles Brighton's lead against former club [MUN 0-2 BHA]
- '12 GOAL! Brajan Gruda puts visitors ahead against run of play [MUN 0-1 BHA]
- '2 SAVE! Jason Steele called into action early as Diogo Dalot has attempt saved [MUN 0-0 BHA]
Manchester United’s nightmare season reaches new lows with premature but predictable FA Cup exit
Sunday 11 January 2026 20:03 , Flo CliffordFor those, certain former managers perhaps included, who think Manchester United occupy too much space in the discourse, it is more than a century, World Wars excepted, since they last took up so little room in the fixture list.
For Darren Fletcher, who had spoken of the honour of managing United, it has been accompanied by their latest historic low, another marker of failure. The team with no manager have no cup run and will get no trophy.
Because 11 January became the earliest point in a season since 1971 to ensure United would end it without silverware. United fell at the first hurdle of the FA Cup, just as they had in the League Cup, an unwanted double they had not mustered since 1982. They guaranteed they will play just 40 games, their fewest in a full campaign since 1914-15.
Man Utd’s nightmare season reaches new low with premature but predictable FA Cup exit
Manchester United make progress in new manager search with two former players frontrunners
Sunday 11 January 2026 20:15 , Flo CliffordManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the favourites.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in charge for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy are also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Man Utd make progress in new manager search with two former players frontrunners
Man Utd hit new low
Sunday 11 January 2026 19:40 , Flo CliffordWith no European football and first-round exits in the FA Cup and League Cup (the latter, infamously, to Grimsby Town), Man Utd are now on course for a 40-game season.
That is their lowest total number of games in a campaign in 111 years.
Giant-killings galore
Sunday 11 January 2026 19:30 , Flo CliffordSix Premier League sides were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking this weekend.
Nottingham Forest lost to Wrexham, Everton to Sunderland, holders Crystal Palace to Macclesfield, Bournemouth to Newcastle, Tottenham to Aston Villa and now Manchester United to Brighton.
'We created enough to win' - Diogo Dalot
Sunday 11 January 2026 19:20 , Flo CliffordLet’s hear from Diogo Dalot on TNT Sports now. He says: “We created enough to win the game to be honest.” Did they?!
“Then the red card gave us a disadvantage because we were on top of Brighton in the last moments. Overall very disappointed because we wanted to go through. All the lads kept trying to find spaces, like I said really disappointed because I think we deserved to win.”
On the managerial churn, he says it’s been “really difficult. It's always a period that you have to find ways to solve problems really quickly. We have to adapt and go again.”
Darren Fletcher 'helped me massively as a boy' - Danny Welbeck
Sunday 11 January 2026 19:10 , Flo CliffordWelbeck now pays a nice tribute to Darren Fletcher, who is his former teammate at United.
“It's incredible,” he says. “Credit to Fletch to see what he's done. He helped me massively as a young boy coming through at Man Utd, he was there for me every single day. I've got a lot of respect for him, it was nice to see him after the game.”
'I've got into a rhythm' - Danny Welbeck
Sunday 11 January 2026 19:00 , Flo CliffordWelbeck is asked what his secret is to playing so well at the age of 35. He says: “I can't really give away the secret. If I say too much, the drugs test people will come for me! I've got good gamily genes, I eat well, prepare well for every single training session.
“When I was younger I played, left or right and No 10. Playing through that and going through injuries, it's hard to get into the rhythm. Touch wood, I haven't had many injuries at Brighton in last few years. I've got into a rhythm.”
Can he make it into the World Cup squad? He laughs and says: “For me, I'm just focusing on here at Brighton. I'm enjoying my time. Football can change at the click of your fingers. I'm just controlling what I can control.”
'Always a massive occasion' - Danny Welbeck
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:52 , Flo CliffordNow Brighton’s second goalscorer, Danny Welbeck, chats to TNT Sports. He says: “It's massive. To come here in the FA Cup, it's always a massive occasion. Delighted to get to the next round, there are a few boys who haven't been playing regularly, so to get the performance is huge. We're buzzing inside the dressing room.”
Asked about his goal, he says: “It was a good first touch, knew I had to get a clean strike on it. When the ball's coming across, you know where the defenders are, the second touch has to be a shot on goal. It was nice to get that clean connection on it.”
FA Cup round four teams
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:45 , Flo CliffordSo United follow fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace out the FA Cup exit door.
Here are the round four teams so far:
Premier League (13): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Fulham, Leeds, Man City, Newcastle, Sunderland, West Ham, Wolves
Championship (11): Birmingham, Bristol City, Ipswich, Hull, Leicester, Norwich, Oxford, Southampton, Stoke, West Brom, Wrexham
League One (4): Burton Albion, Mansfield Town, Port Vale, Wigan
League Two (1): Grimsby
National League North (1): Macclesfield
Two of Liverpool v Barnsley and Salford City v Swindon Town will join them.
'The belief is always there' - Brajan Gruda
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:40 , Flo CliffordBrajan Gruda tells TNT Sports: “I’m very happy – it’s the first time I have won at Old Trafford. We had a good day, we really enjoyed it and I can see the fans enjoyed it as well!
“Steeley dominated the game and we’re very happy to have him in goal.
“The belief is always there. Everyone believes in each other and we can achieve anything.”
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:27 , Flo CliffordThis is the first time United have crashed out of both cups at the first hurdle since the 1981/82 season.
Boos ring out as the players head down the tunnel.
Another ‘Jim can’t fix this’ banner is held up by the remaining fans.
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:25 , Flo CliffordSilence at the final whistle and the fans are streaming out of Old Trafford.
Fernandes and Sesko look distraught.
United are out of both cups, aren’t in Europe, and their dismal season rolls on.
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:25 , Richard JollyGrim for Manchester United. Out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle to Grimsby, out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle to Brighton. They will not win silverware this season. And sadly for Fletcher, he probably won't be in interim charge for the rest of the campaign. But a fully deserved win for Brighton.
FULL-TIME: Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:23 , Flo CliffordManchester United are out of the FA Cup!!!
Full-time at Old Trafford - the first time Brighton have ever beaten United in the FA Cup!
SAVE! Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:23 , Flo Clifford‘90+4: Maguire can’t direct his header, too close to the keeper and Steele collects!
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:22 , Flo Clifford‘90+4: Dorgu and Maguire play it back and forth down the left flank, but can’t break down the Brighton defence.
The Seagulls are 90 seconds from the fourth round...
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:20 , Flo Clifford‘90+2: Five minutes of stoppage time.
United are heading out of the FA Cup as it stands.
Goalscorer Gruda is replaced by Watson. Maguire and Katsoulas see yellow for a bit of a tussle.
RED CARD! Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:18 , Flo Clifford‘89: This has set up the grandstand finish Old Trafford are after...
But this isn’t the development they wanted! Oh my word, Lacey sees a second yellow for slamming the ball on the ground in frustration after bundling over Kadioglu, and the teenager is off on his FA Cup debut!
He covers his face with his shirt and runs off down the tunnel.
CLOSE! Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:16 , Flo Clifford‘88: Lacey just kicks his defender in the shin, and goes into the book, which he seems displeased about.
Now Sesko is through on goal but he can’t shrug off van Hecke and Hinshelwood boots it clear!
Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:15 , Richard JollyA third goal in two games for Benjamin Sesko. Perhaps it will lead to a terrific United comeback. At the least, Fletcher's interim reign has produced a benefit as the Slovenian has started scoring.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:13 , Flo Clifford‘85: Fernandes angles a long ball forward to Casemiro... it takes a deflection off Coppola for a United corner.
And United have a lifeline with five minutes to go! Fernandes’ delivery finds Sesko at the back post, and he nods it past Steele!
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:12 , Flo Clifford‘84: Kostoulas replaces Rutter.
It’s pouring with rain at Old Trafford now.
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:09 , Flo Clifford‘81: Sesko fires straight at Steele!
United are at least offering a bit more now.
CHANCE! Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:09 , Flo Clifford‘80: Casemiro with a cute backheel... Lacey hits it first time but scoops over the bar!
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:08 , Flo Clifford‘79: And United do indeed turn to Casemiro. He and Harry Maguire are on, indication that it really is crisis time for the Red Devils. Can Maguire come to the rescue once again?
Martinez and Ugarte come off.
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:06 , Richard JollyShea Lacey has at least looked bright since he came on and he was greeted with a huge cheer. It will be interesting to see if Fletcher turns to Casemiro, who is surely one of the best finishers at the club and one of the best at getting on the end of balls into the penalty box.
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:06 , Flo Clifford‘77: Fernandes threads the ball to Zirkzee down the right; his cutback doesn’t find anyone. United just not where they should be.
Break in play now as Gomez has a hamstring issue, which the home ground boo roundly.
Subs for Brighton now: Veltman, who has been a bit erratic; Welbeck, and Gomez go off, Mitoma, van Hecke and Ayari are on. Old Trafford gives Welbeck a warm send-off.
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:02 , Flo Clifford‘74: Brighton have one win in nine away from home. They look on course to break that duck... 18-year-old Shea Lacey is putting up the stiffest resistance, it has to be said.
Dorgu has been down on the ground; he’s back up but has blood streaming from his nose, ouch.
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 18:00 , Flo Clifford‘72: Welbeck now has eight goals against his former employers, not a bad return.
WIDE! Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:57 , Flo Clifford‘70: Lacey with exactly what the Old Trafford crowd want to see, a lovely stepover and a cross lashed across the face of goal... Sesko’s header is wide!
Now Lacey goes down under pressure by Gross, looking for a free-kick, not getting one.
SAVE! Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:54 , Flo Clifford‘66: United counter desperately... Sesko has a chance but Steele gets down low and gets his fingertips to it!
Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:54 , Richard JollyDanny Welbeck has now scored as many goals at Old Trafford this season as either Matheus Cunha or Benjamin Sesko.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-2 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:53 , Flo Clifford‘65: Danny Welbeck scores at Old Trafford!
Gruda, who has been immense, threads a sweet ball through to Welbeck. He takes a touch, shrugs off Yoro with ease, and slots it into the back of the net!
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:52 , Flo Clifford‘64: The volume goes up a notch as Cunha gets in the box... but there are too many bodies in the way.
Not exactly a flowing half of football so far.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:50 , Flo Clifford‘62: Subs! Mount and Mainoo, who have had quiet outings, are replaced by Zirkzee and Shea Lacey. Lacey gets a roar of appreciation from the crowd as he comes on for his FA Cup debut.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:49 , Flo Clifford‘61: Welbeck finds a gap and is bundled over by Mainoo, who picks up a yellow as well as conceding a free-kick in the middle of the park.
Gruda sends it low to Kadioglu; the Turkey international works it to Gross, who finds some space near the back line and pulls it back past Ugarte... United carved open a bit there, but their blushes are spared.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:46 , Flo Clifford‘58: Rutter threads a sweet ball to Gruda in the box... it looks to take a deflection as Ugarte and Dorgu put him under pressure; it bobbles wide but is given as a goal kick.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:42 , Flo Clifford‘54: Fast start to this half, as in the first half. Gruda leads Brighton on the counter but Kadioglu has an attempt blocked.
Now Fernandes curls in a free-kick but it hits Mount awkwardly and curls over the bar.
Casemiro is among the United players warming up.
Brighton have a corner but Veltman whacks it over the bar! What a waste.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:39 , Flo Clifford‘51: Now Dalot tries to pull it back for Mount but Gomez is there to make the block and send it bobbling tamely to his keeper.
Mainoo tries to thread the ball through to Fernandes but he can’t quite get his outstretched toe to it, and Mainoo holds up his hand in apology.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:37 , Flo Clifford‘49: Another bright start by Man United. Cunha makes a clever run but his attempted cross is cleared behind by Coppola for a corner.
Fernandes’ delivery is headed away by Welbeck, before Ugarte - attempting to recycle in the middle of the park - just launches it out of play. Poor.
SECOND HALF: Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:35 , Flo Clifford‘47: Back underway. Dalot gets in behind... nothing doing.
Mainoo wins a free-kick after a pull-back. Fernandes’ delivery is poor and straight at Steele.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:33 , Flo CliffordElsewhere, West Brom have beaten Swansea 6-5 on penalties, while Hull have beaten Blackburn 4-3, also on spot-kicks.
The teams are back out at Old Trafford and Darren Fletcher gesticulates to the crowd to make a bit more noise in support of the players.
No changes for either side.
HALF-TIME: Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:19 , Flo CliffordHalf-time at Old Trafford. Man United made a great start but lost some of that drive after Brighton’s unexpected opener, scored by Brajan Gruda against the run of play.
The hosts have had chances but have lacked quality in the final third... while Brighton will be thinking they should be 2-0 up through Danny Welbeck, who missed a sitter after a Senne Lammens mistake.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:17 , Flo Clifford‘45+1: Man Utd have another chance; Fernandes releases Cunha, Veltman slips on the edge of the box and Cunha is through on goal, but sends it wide of the bottom corner!
That’s the half-time whistle... and boos ring out from the home support.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:15 , Richard JollyHaving started so brightly, United have created too little since the Brighton goal. Arguably their best chance since then, Sesko's tame lob, came a couple of minutes later. Too often they haven't got the final ball right.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:15 , Flo Clifford‘45: United win a corner. Fernandes’ delivery is worked around the box... Sesko tries to make something from it but Brighton surround him and dig in, and neutralise the attack.
One additional minute. Dalot sprints forwards again, tries a cheeky backheel, but the defender reads it well.
CHANCE! Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:12 , Flo Clifford‘41: Cheeky from Fernandes, who goes for a low strike under the wall, who duly jump and let him through... but it fizzes wide!
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:11 , Flo Clifford‘40: Welbeck hits the side netting from a tight angle! Just miscued slightly.
Brighton haven’t had much of the ball of late (in fact in this entire match) but have had flashes of inspiration.
Veltman concedes a free-kick with a shirt pull on Sesko 25 yards out or so... it’s in a good position for Bruno Fernandes.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:07 , Flo Clifford‘36: United counter through Sesko... but Steele has sprinted deep into the middle of the park to clear. It’s been a great first half-hour from the Brighton keeper.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:06 , Richard JollyUnited are having real problems defensively on their right flank, where Brighton invariably look capable of carving them open. Ferdi Kadioglu is having a real influence, but that reflects badly on Mason Mount.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:05 , Flo Clifford‘35: Steele is called into action again! Martinez, at a very tight angle, attempts to lift the ball over the keeper but Steele makes the block... now Fernandes shoots, it takes a deflection off Veltman, and Steele gets his gloves to that one with ease.
Some more intention from United now, Fernandes lays it off for Sesko but the Slovenian is slow to react and it rolls away.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:02 , Flo Clifford‘32: They may not have a goal but there’s at least a fair bit of purpose about this United side, compared to some of their previous games.
Ooh, now Gross threads a sweet pass through to Kadioglu on the left flank. He lays it off but there’s no teammate with the same vision in the box... the offside flag goes up against him, but it’s very tight.
CHANCE! Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:57 , Flo Clifford‘27: There’s been some anti-Glazer chanting so far and a large banner making some fans’ feelings known...
Martinez has space on the left of the box but his powerful drive is blocked by Boscagli!
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:56 , Flo Clifford‘26: Dalot releases Cunha, who attempts to square into the box... where Coppola clears it over his own bar.
Martinez is on corner duty. It’s deep and Sesko can’t quite get onto it.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:53 , Flo Clifford‘23: Brighton have a free-kick deep on the right... it’s worked to the far post and eventually falls to Veltman, who’s in decent space but hooks an attempt miles wide.
United counter but the flag goes up against Sesko.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:50 , Flo Clifford‘20: Things have settled down somewhat now. Fernandes tries to switch things up with a long diagonal ball to Mount on the right flank... but puts a bit too much juice on it and Mount can’t control.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:48 , Richard JollyUnited have only kept one clean sheet in 15 games now. They could have let in two already today.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:47 , Flo Clifford‘17: Sesko outruns two defenders but his attempt to chip Steele instead lands safely in the keeper’s gloves. Poor execution.
Now Cunha blasts over... too much power, no precision.
A busy start at Old Trafford!
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:45 , Flo Clifford‘14: Lammens gets away with one! He plays a terrible pass forward which Brighton intercept with glee, but Welbeck fluffs his attempt to make it 2-0, firing over the bar in front of an empty goal.
Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:43 , Richard JollyManchester United are carrying on where they left off at Burnley. They had 30 shots then. They have been positive again so far and Jason Steele has made a couple of fine saves. It has been a fast start, whereas they were often slow starters this season under Ruben Amorim.
Though that has become an early lead for Brighton... United behind again, as they were in Fletcher's first game.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:43 , Flo Clifford‘12: Well, well, well! Brighton are ahead against the run of play!
It’s worked well to Welbeck, who gets down the left and floats a lovely cross into the centre, where Gruda heads home!
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:42 , Flo Clifford‘10: An incredibly fast start by Man Utd. Brighton win their first corner, but it’s dealt with.
SAVE! Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:39 , Flo Clifford‘7: Another fine save by Steele! United win a free-kick; Fernandes plays it short to Mainoo before laying off another attempt, but Steele gets his left hand down low to palm away.
It goes behind for a corner but with Steele beaten Yoro makes a hash of a header at the far post. He claims interference by Brighton but referee Simon Hooper isn’t having it.
SAVE! Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:35 , Flo Clifford‘4: Steele has had to be wide awake so far; moments after that chance Dalot has another go but sends it soaring over the bar, before Bruno Fernandes sets up Sesko - but again the keeper sprints out to boot it clear.
SAVE! Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:34 , Flo Clifford‘2: A superb start for Man Utd, that’s the kind of football the crowd wants to see... tremendous defence-splitting pass through to Dalot, who is through on goal but Steele comes out to make himself massive, and saves with his right leg!
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:33 , Flo Clifford‘2: It’s Darren Fletcher’s first game in charge at Old Trafford.
The biggest cheer from the home support came when Kobbie Mainoo’s name was read out. Can he make an impact today?
KICK-OFF: Man Utd v Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:30 , Flo CliffordUnderway at Old Trafford!
Team news reminder
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:23 , Flo CliffordMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu; Ugarte, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes; Mount, Cunha, Sesko
Brighton XI: Steele; Veltman, Boscagli, Coppola, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Gross, Gruda; Georginio, Welbeck, Gomez
Man United are a mess and risk making a familiar mistake
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:20 , Flo CliffordSome pre-match reading: inside the turmoil at Manchester United as they search for their next permanent manager. From Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly:
'Manchester United is about winning trophies' - Fletcher
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:10 , Flo CliffordHere’s what Darren Fletcher had to say about today’s tie: “It’s an important competition and Manchester United is about winning trophies.
“I think we’ve had good success in the competition in recent years – won it a couple years ago, lost in a final.
“It’s an amazing competition. It’s the first trophy that I won as a player. It’s a special tournament.
“With the season so far – not in Europe, out of the League Cup, Premier League obviously – the FA Cup’s a trophy that we should be vying to win and giving ourselves every opportunity to win.”
When is the FA Cup fourth round draw?
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:00 , Flo CliffordThe fourth round draw will be shown live by TNT Sports before Liverpool v Barnsley on Monday 12 January 2026, at around 6.35pm GMT.
FA Cup third-round TV schedule
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:50 , Flo CliffordSunday, 11 January
12:00: Derby County v Leeds United - TNT Sports 2 and discovery+
14:00: Portsmouth v Arsenal - TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
14:30: Hull City v Blackburn Rovers - discovery+
14:30: Norwich City v Walsall - discovery+
14:30: Sheffield United v Mansfield Town - discovery+
14:30: Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion - discovery+
14:30: West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers - discovery+
16:30: Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - TNT Sports 1 and discovery
Monday, 12 January
19:45: Liverpool v Barnsley - TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
Team news - Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:48 , Flo CliffordBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler meanwhile has made a whopping six changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Man City last time out.
Jason Steele comes in between the sticks, with Diego Coppola, Olivier Boscagli, Joel Veltman, Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck - the last a former teammate of United interim-before-the-interim Darren Fletcher - all coming into the side too.
Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Maxim De Cuyper, Yasin Ayari and Kaoru Mitoma are the ones to make way.
Team news - Man Utd
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:44 , Flo CliffordThe big news for Man Utd is that Kobbie Mainoo, permanently out of favour under Amorim, starts for the first time since the infamous Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby in August.
He’s one of three changes Fletcher makes from the draw with Burnley, as Mason Mount - fit again for a first start after injury - and Leny Yoro come in for Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven, and Casemiro drops to the bench.
Fletcher has also named both his boys, Jack and Tyler, on the bench.
Players arriving
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:40 , Flo Clifford
Team news - Mainoo starts
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:36 , Richard JollyKobbie Mainoo starts a game. That doesn't normally happen. Indeed, the only previous time it happened this season was against Grimsby. So nothing could possibly go wrong for Manchester United.
Anyway, Mainoo, overlooked by Ruben Amorim, begins for Darren Fletcher. Leny Yoro and Mason Mount also come in with the ageing legs of Luke Shaw and Casemiro and the youthful legs of Ayden Heaven all to be found on the bench.
Brighton, meanwhile, are captained by Danny Welbeck, a former United teammate of Fletcher.
Brighton line-up
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:34 , Flo CliffordBrighton XI: Steele; Veltman, Boscagli, Coppola, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Gross, Gruda; Georginio, Welbeck, Gomez
Subs: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Watson, Kostoulas, Mitoma, Ayari, Tasker, Howell
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #MUNBHA starting XI. 👊 pic.twitter.com/JvdxeOlYya
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 11, 2026
Manchester United line-up
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:32 , Flo CliffordManchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu; Ugarte, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes; Mount, Cunha, Sesko
Subs: Bayndir, Heaven, Maguire, Malacia, Casemiro, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Lacey, Zirkzee
Presenting your United XI for today's #FACup third-round tie 📋🏆
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 11, 2026
Team news incoming...
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:25 , Flo CliffordWe’re expecting line-ups to be announced shortly...
Eddie Howe: Newcastle are counting the cost of reaching FA Cup fourth round
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:20 , Flo CliffordEddie Howe was left counting the cost after watching Newcastle edge their way into the FA Cup fourth-round with a penalty shoot-out victory over Bournemouth.
The Magpies progressed after an energy-sapping 3-3 extra-time draw at St James’ Park four days before Manchester City arrive on Tyneside for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, but lost Tino Livramento to a hamstring injury in an encounter which stretched Howe’s resources to their limit in the wake of their epic midweek win over Leeds.
Eddie Howe: Newcastle are counting the cost of reaching FA Cup fourth round
Man City record FA Cup’s biggest win in 66 years with Exeter thrashing
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:10 , Flo CliffordManchester City recorded the biggest FA Cup win from a top-flight side since 1960 as Pep Guardiola’s team thrashed League One’s Exeter City 10-1 at the Etihad.
Antoine Semenyo made his debut for City following his £64m move from Bournemouth and was among the scorers, along with youngsters Max Alleyne and Ryan McAidoo as well as strikes from first-team stars Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly and two from Rico Lewis.
Man City record FA Cup’s biggest win in 66 years with Exeter thrashing
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:00 , Flo CliffordElsewhere in FA Cup action: Aston Villa survive, and the nature of this FA Cup tie might mean Thomas Frank does, too. For this week at least.
His Tottenham Hotspur players at least gave it a go, which is all that most supporters would say they want. Many had been loudly booing with Villa 2-0 up at half-time. A few still were at full-time, but the anger had been tempered by a rousing second-half display in which they pushed Unai Emery’s side to the edge.
That stopped the atmosphere around this tie getting toxic, where so many other games on the day offered that old-fashioned magic.
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to FA Cup shock
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:50 , Flo CliffordWayne Rooney was in tears as he watched his younger brother mastermind one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history.
John Rooney’s Macclesfield side, who are mid-table in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football – knocked out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Moss Rose.
Wayne Rooney watched on pitchside and was part of BBC Sport’s punditry panel. Choking up after the full-time whistle, as fans rushed onto the pitch in celebration, he stumbled over his words as he fought back tears.
“It’s incredible to see my younger brother achieve this,” Rooney said. “He has not long been the manager. I am so proud of him.”
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to famous FA Cup shock
Non-league Macclesfield stun holders Crystal Palace in one of the greatest FA Cup shocks
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:40 , Flo CliffordIn case you missed it... Non-league Macclesfield produced one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all time by knocking out holders Crystal Palace in a stunning 2-1 upset at Moss Rose.
Eight months after Palace lifted their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City at Wembley, the Premier League side became the first FA Cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1909.
Macclesfield, of the sixth tier, started the day 117 places below the Eagles in the English football league pyramid. But inspired by goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Rickett, and overseen by coach John Rooney, the younger brother of former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, they overturned the odds in a hugely emotional day for the Silkmen.
Non-league Macclesfield produce historic FA Cup upset against holders Crystal Palace
Predicted line-ups
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:25 , Flo CliffordManchester United: Bayindir; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Dorgu, Mount, Cunha; Zirkzee.
Brighton: Steele; Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross; Gruda, Gomez, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:20 , Flo CliffordDarren Fletcher expects to have the same players available as at Burnley, having confirmed whichever of Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo go out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday will not play.
Fabian Hurzeler expects to have defender Joel Veltman and forward Charalampos Kostoulas back from minor issues following Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester City, while winger Yankuba Minteh will be assessed on a dead leg.
TV channel
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:15 , Flo CliffordThe match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK. Subscribers to TNT Sports can stream the game online via the app and website.
When is Manchester United v Brighton?
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:10 , Flo CliffordThe game will kick off at 4.30pm GMT today, Sunday 11 January, at Old Trafford.
Manchester United v Brighton
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:05 , Flo CliffordManchester United host Brighton in the FA Cup today as Darren Fletcher continues to take charge of the team.
Fletcher, who was named interim manager following last week’s sacking of Ruben Amorim, will lead United out at Old Trafford after taking the helm for their Premier League draw at Burnley in midweek.
United continue to search for a manager to take control until the rest of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in talks to take the reins from Fletcher as soon as next week, as the club’s hierarchy put off hiring a permanent manager until the summer.
Brighton are three points behind United in the Premier League and will hope to cause an upset today, as Fabian Hurzeler plots a cup run. The Seagulls have never won the FA Cup but did reach the final in 1983 – when they were beaten by United.
Good afternoon
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:01 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of Manchester United v Brighton in this all-Premier League FA Cup tie.
The two sides are separated by just three points in the top flight, so this could be a close one...
