Manchester United vs Brighton LIVE!
Manchester United are out to continue their positive momentum as they host Brighton at Old Trafford this afternoon. After a challenging start to the season, things finally seem to be looking up for Ruben Amorim. A valiant away defeat of Liverpool last time out followed a comfortable win over Sunderland, and he could make it three Premier League victories on the spin if the good feeling continues here.
Amorim has made clear his intent to build on last week’s success at Anfield, but is wary of Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls. Speaking pre-match, he admitted they would take some beating, highlighting their knack for attacking in transition. Brighton come into the affair on soaring form, too, with wins over Newcastle and Chelsea still fresh in the memory. They will look to continue building their own momentum ahead of facing Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last 16 next week.
The match will be a landmark outing for United captain Bruno Fernandes, who stands to make his 300th appearance for the club today. Follow Manchester United vs Brighton live below!
Manchester United vs Brighton latest news
- GOAL! Man Utd 4-2 Brighton: Mbeumo double seals all three points
- GOAL! Man Utd 3-2 Brighton: Kostoulas heads in corner to set up tense finish
- GOAL! Man Utd 3-1 Brighton: Welbeck nets free-kick against former club
- GOAL! Man Utd 3-0 Brighton: Mbeumo adds third
- GOAL! Man Utd 2-0 Brighton: Casemiro doubles lead with deflected effort
- GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Brighton: Cunha scores from distance for first United goal
FT: Man Utd 4-2 Brighton
19:26 , Alex DakersAnd that will do it!
Three straight Premier League wins for Manchester United, who survive a late attempted comeback from Brighton to emerge victorious at Old Trafford.
GOAL! Man Utd 4-2 Brighton
19:25 , Alex Dakers97mins: Bryan Mbeumo seals all three points for Manchester United!
Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes steps out of the way, allowing the ball to reach the Cameroon international who whacks it in via the crossbar.
GOAL! Man Utd 3-2 Brighton
19:21 , Alex Dakers92mins: Game on!
Charalampos Kostoulas beats Joshua Zirkzee to a corner delivery and Brighton are just one goal down now.
The young Seagulls’ substitute won the corner himself and that glancing header past Senne Lammens has set up a very tense finish inside Old Trafford.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:19 , Alex Dakers90mins: Well, the Red Devils have seven minutes of stoppage time to survive.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:19 , Alex Dakers90mins: United look very keen just to see this victory out at this stage, which is understandable - especially as Brighton have scored some important late goals to rescue points recently.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:17 , Alex Dakers89mins: Bruno Fernandes sets himself away for a fast break but Brighton recover well.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:17 , Alex Dakers88mins: Bruno Fernandes slides the ball into the box and Joshua Zirkzee does well to hit the turf and nearly gather it, but Brighton scramble it clear.
The Seagulls soar up the other end and Ferdi Kadioglu stings Senne Lammens’s gloves from distance.
Brighton corner, but nothing comes from it.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:15 , Alex Dakers86mins: I may have jinxed the Seagulls, as United have gained a bit of control back in this match in the last few minutes.
Fabian Hurzeler might feel the same way, as he promptly replaces right-back Mats Wieffer with Greek attack Stefanos Tzimas.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:11 , Alex Dakers83mins: Brighton have been on top since Danny Welbeck netted that free-kick to reduce the deficit.
They’ve not been able to capitalise on their increased possession yet, though...
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:10 , Alex Dakers82mins: Sesko is hooked now for Joshua Zirkzee, as Manuel Ugarte also replaces goal-scorer Matheus Cunha.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:09 , Alex Dakers81mins: A yellow card is shown to Benjamin Sesko, with United’s striker being a bit too physical against Jan Paul van Hecke.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:07 , Alex Dakers79mins: Highly-rated 18-year-old forward Charalampos Kostoulas comes on for the Seagulls now, replacing Georginio Rutter.
Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:06 , Alex Dakers75mins: There was very nearly a quick second goal for Brighton there, but debutant Tom Watson can’t beat Senne Lammens with his effort.
GOAL! Man Utd 3-1 Brighton
19:03 , Alex Dakers74mins: Well then!
Danny Welbeck steps up and places that free-kick too high for Senne Lammens to reach.
Brighton reduce the deficit, but are running out of time to mount a comeback.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
19:01 , Alex Dakers72mins: Patrick Dorgu has only just been introduced to the fray but he’s been shown a yellow card for a foul that Fabian Hurzeler thinks should have resulted in a red card.
Yankuba Minteh was on a breakaway but looked to have lost control of the ball before Dorgu made contact with him.
VAR agrees that it’s a yellow and a free-kick to Brighton.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
19:00 , Alex Dakers71mins: Bryan Mbeumo, praised by United legend Wayne Rooney ahead of today’s game as the club’s best player so far this season, forces a save from Bart Verbruggen but the resulting corner comes to nothing.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
18:59 , Alex Dakers70mins: Meanwhile for United, Patrick Dorgu and Kobbie Mainoo are thrown into the action in place of Amad Diallo and Casemiro.
Presumably that means Diogo Dalot switches to right wing-back, with Dorgu on the left.
Straight swap in midfield with Mainoo and Casemiro, of course.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
18:58 , Alex Dakers68mins: I didn’t get a chance to inform you of the three Brighton changes that Fabian Hurzeler hoped would make a difference.
They were veteran James Milner, teenager Tom Watson and Diego Gomez, who replaced Carlos Baleba, Maxim De Cuyper and Yasin Ayari.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
18:53 , Alex Dakers65mins: United make a change now, with Luke Shaw withdrawn and youngster Ayden Heaven introduced to the backline.
Brighton take their corner but it curls all the way through and out of bounds for a goal-kick.
Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
18:51 , Alex Dakers61mins: Goal confirmed!
United are three up with half an hour to play.
That was a good run from Mbeumo, who was found by Benjamin Sesko after a sharp turn by the Slovenian striker.
Brighton might feel a little hard done by that a foul wasn’t given, though.
📲 VAR deemed the contact between Luke Shaw and Georginio Rutter to be 'minimal' in the build up to Man United's third goal v Brighton and as a result, it was allowed to stand.
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) October 25, 2025
Do you think this is 'minimal' contact? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LNZbo39wrm
GOAL! Man Utd 3-0 Brighton
18:50 , Alex Dakers60mins: Bryan Mbeumo has the ball in the back of the net, but VAR is checking a challenge from Luke Shaw on Georginio Rutter in the build-up.
United’s summer signing darts towards goal after his side win possession back and lashes the ball into the near corner.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:48 , Alex Dakers59mins: Yankuba Minteh curls what looks to be a cross in from the right wing, and it actually looks to be heading for the far corner of the goal.
That’s before Senne Lammens gets the slightest of touches on it, to turn the ball around the post.
Not sure the referee saw that touch, as play resumes with a goal-kick.
And here come the substitutes for Brighton...
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:44 , Alex Dakers55mins: Benjamin Sesko has a rare chance now, pouncing on a slack pass from Yasin Ayari, but doesn’t trouble Bart Verbruggen too much as the Brighton goalie parries the ball away.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:42 , Alex Dakers54mins: United calmly playing the ball from side to side as they search for a way through Brighton’s backline.
Casemiro tries to pick out Bruno Fernandes with a long ball, but it trundles out of bounds for a goalkick.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:40 , Alex Dakers51mins: There were no changes from either side at half-time, by the way.
Fabian Hurzeler has the likes of Diego Gomez to call on from his bench. The Paraguayan scored four goals in a match for Brighton a month ago, albeit against League One opposition in Barnsley.
Subs from both clubs are warming up as we speak. Who will make the first move?
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:36 , Alex Dakers48mins: Good reactions from Bart Verbruggen to bat away a shot from Bruno Fernandes.
The United captain did well to nudge the ball into space within a crowded Brighton box there.
A minute earlier, Carlos Baleba blazed an effort over the crossbar at the other end.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:35 , Alex Dakers47mins: Manchester United have never lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when leading by two goals or more at half time (P326, W301, D25).
Brighton have beaten them three times on the trot here, though, before today.
Second half underway
18:34 , Alex DakersThe referee sets us off for another 45 minutes at Old Trafford.
United turning a corner?
18:27 , Alex DakersAll smiles from the hosts at Old Trafford so far.
Having failed to win consecutive Premier League matches under Ruben Amorim until last week, Manchester United are suddenly on course to make it three victories in a row.
Second half soon!
HT: Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:18 , Alex DakersHalf-time!
United go into the break with a relatively comfortable lead after Georginio Rutter fails to connect with a late chance before the referee blows his whistle.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:16 , Alex Dakers45mins: Just one minute of time added on.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:16 , Alex Dakers45mins: Nearly a perfect goal for Manchester United’s scouting department.
Matheus Cunha takes a clever touch and plays it to Bryan Mbeumo, who lays it off to Benjamin Sesko, but the striker lets the ball run across him too much and can’t get a clean shot away - it whistles wide.
Still, good link-up play from the three summer signings.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:14 , Alex Dakers43mins: Manchester United are up to fourth in the Premier League table as things stand.
Liverpool do of course play later, and could leapfrog the Red Devils with a result away to Brentford.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:12 , Alex Dakers41mins: Carlos Baleba earns himself the first yellow card of the match by dragging down Bryan Mbeumo near the halfway line.
The young Cameroonian midfielder was all over his countryman, there!
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:11 , Alex Dakers39mins: United have done well from distance today, with both their goals coming from outside the box.
Diogo Dalot decides it’s time to try his luck from 25 yards out, but skies his effort.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:10 , Alex Dakers38mins: Lewis Dunk gets his head on a Brighton corner but can’t quite steer it towards United’s goalmouth.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:09 , Alex Dakers37mins: I take it back! The Premier League has deemed that Casemiro’s shot was indeed heading towards the goal, so it stands for the Brazilian.
A sigh of relief for Ayari - not that it’ll help Brighton much in their current predicament.
Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:07 , Alex Dakers35mins: That one has gone down as an own goal against Ayari, I believe, as it doesn’t look like Casemiro’s shot was actually going to hit the target by itself.
GOAL! Man Utd 2-0 Brighton
18:05 , Alex Dakers34mins: But with United’s next attack, they score again!
Casemiro takes aim from distance and it takes a big deflection off Yasin Ayari to wrongfoot Brighton goalie Bart Verbruggen.
Man Utd 1-0 Brighton
18:04 , Alex Dakers33mins: Amad Diallo charges towards the byline before cutting the ball back, but Bryan Mbeumo can’t quite reach it and Brighton recover.
Man Utd 1-0 Brighton
18:02 , Alex Dakers30mins: But Cunha very nearly gives away a penalty at the other end, now!
The Brazilian shows good commitment to drive back and help his team defend, but rather recklessly slides towards the pacey Yankuba Minteh.
Thankfully for United, Cunha misses the Brighton winger entirely as he waltzed into the area.
Man Utd 1-0 Brighton
18:01 , Alex Dakers29mins: Matheus Cunha has scored more goals from outside the box than any other Premier League player in all competitions (seven) since the start of last season.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Brighton
17:54 , Alex Dakers24mins: No matter, as Matheus Cunha opens the scoring!
Some quick passing around the edge of Brighton’s box before Casemiro lays it off to his countryman.
Cunha takes one touch with his left to bring the ball back across goal ever so slightly, and then curls his effort into the bottom right corner.
A first goal in Manchester United colours for the summer signing, that is.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:54 , Alex Dakers23mins: VAR confirms that challenge by Lewis Dunk was outside the penalty area anyway.
On we go!
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:53 , Alex Dakers22mins: Another penalty shout from Manchester United, this time for a challenge on Bryan Mbeumo.
VAR are checking it but play has continued.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:52 , Alex Dakers21mins: A Brighton corner comes into a potentially dangerous area but Senne Lammens darts off his line to claim it.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:51 , Alex Dakers20mins: A reminder that this is Bruno Fernandes’s 300th appearance for Manchester United.
Will he mark it with a win, or can Brighton spoil the party?
There’ve been chances at both ends so far, with the hosts perhaps having the better of them - but it’s pretty close.
❤️ @B_Fernandes8 is Manchester United.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
Marking milestones with @DooFinancial 🤝#UnitedForαBetterFuture pic.twitter.com/TmS2xIo1VW
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:49 , Alex Dakers17mins: The VAR checks it and deems the on-field decision to have been correct as De Cuyper clipped the ball away before wiping Amad out.
In the meantime, Matheus Cunha’s dipping shot after a smart dribble forced a good stop from Brighton ‘keeper Bart Verbruggen.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:47 , Alex Dakers16mins: Up the other end, Maxim De Cuyper gets just enough of a touch on the ball for the officials to deem it a clean challenge on Amad Diallo, despite the United full-back staying down in the box for a few moments.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:46 , Alex Dakers15mins: A first save of the day for Senne Lammens, and it comes from a Danny Welbeck effort.
The Brighton striker is given a slight nudge by Bruno Fernandes just before he hits it and looked a little off balance, but there’s nothing it in says the referee.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:45 , Alex Dakers14mins: Benjamin Sesko has been pretty starved of service so far here, with Brighton defending well.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:41 , Alex Dakers10mins: Maxim De Cuyper whips it into the box and Matthijs De Ligt headers clear - but only as far as Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder’s first-time effort can’t make it through the crowd, though.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:40 , Alex Dakers9mins: Leny Yoro makes contact with Yasin Ayari and is penalised, perhaps a little harshly.
Free-kick from the right flank for Brighton.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:39 , Alex Dakers7mins: A good chance for Brighton now as Danny Welbeck is freed down the right, having poked the ball through United’s backline himself with a clever touch.
Welbeck plays the ball into the box for Yankuba Minteh, who can’t quite get the killer touch on it.
The young winger was offside anyway, but that’s a wake up call for the Red Devils after a few early chances of their own.
Neville gets PL Hall of Fame award from Bryan Robson
17:37 , Alex DakersAhead of kick-off, former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville turned pundit - who is on comms for Sky Sports today - was presented with an award to mark his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame, by fellow club legend Bryan Robson.
Here’s a snap of that moment:
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:35 , Alex Dakers4mins: Bryan Mbeumo puts Matheus Cunha through on goal, but the Brazilian is at a tight angle by the time he can get a shot away and it hits the side netting.
Man Utd 0-0 Brighton
17:32 , Alex Dakers1mins: An early chance for United with a looping cross from the right courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo.
It finds Bruno Fernandes but the Red Devils’ skipper is a little far from goal and can’t quite get his header on target.
Kick-off!
17:31 , Alex DakersWe are underway at Old Trafford.
A win for United would lift them to fourth in the Premier League - can they do it?
Or will Brighton make it four straight wins at this ground?
Teams out on the pitch
17:27 , Alex DakersBoth sets of players are out on the Old Trafford pitch now.
Kick-off is a few minutes away.
Warm-ups done
17:22 , Alex DakersWarm-ups have been completed at Old Trafford.
We’ll be underway very shortly!
Welbeck two years Hurzeler's senior
17:19 , Alex DakersA reminder that Danny Welbeck, who turns 35 next month, as actually older than Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler, who is only 32!
Veteran midfielder James Milner - who starts on the Seagulls’ bench today - turns 40 in January, meanwhile.
Hurzeler on Brighton's approach and 'fine wine' Welbeck
17:18 , Alex DakersNow we’ve been hearing from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler.
“We go into every game with confidence because we have quality in the squad, and that’s the approach today as well,” the German head coach said.
“[Brighton’s past record at Old Trafford] speaks for us but it’s always a new game, a new challenge. We have to do the basic things right and then we have a chance to win it.
On Brighton’s approach today: “Playing with a lot of courage, playing our style of play - to control the opponent in position but also defend and be compact.”
And discussing former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, who has four goals - against Newcastle and Chelsea - in his last three Premier League games: “He’s like fine wine; the older he gets the better he gets!
“He’s been so so impressive for us,” Hurzeler added, praising Welbeck’s energy and presence in the squad as much as his work on the pitch.
Fighting words from Brighton's Minteh
17:15 , Alex DakersMeanwhile, Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has been speaking about both his side’s form, their recent record versus United, and what he expects from today’s match.
"We know it's not going to be easy, but we are ready to fight to win." 💪
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 25, 2025
Yankuba discusses his expectations ahead of #MUNBHA. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/D86g8kCrMh
Amorim on 'maverick' Cunha and his line-up changes
17:09 , Alex DakersSome pre-match comments from Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, now.
“It’s always important [to get back-to-back wins],” Amorim said, having done so by beating Liverpool last Sunday and Sunderland before the international break.
“We had some issues at Anfield [last weekend], we know that, we don’t try to hide things with a win, so we work during the week and [will] perform better today.”
On his team selection, which has seen Mason Mount drop to the bench, Benjamin Sesko recalled to the centre forward position and Matheus Cunha moved back to a left-sided No10 role, opposite Bryan Mbeumo.
“Different game, different characteristics,” Amorim explained of the differences in his starting line-up to last week’s outing at Liverpool.
“We should look at the opponents and use the best XI, we try to do that every week. I just want to show every time that everyone is important to this team.”
Asked about Cunha specifically, he added: “I think he has a way of playing that’s very important, he is like a maverick.”
Wayne Rooney on United's 'best player' this season
17:00 , Alex DakersSpeaking of Mbeumo...
Wayne Rooney has admitted being “sceptical” of Manchester United’s signing of Bryan Mbeumo, but declared the Cameroonian as the club’s player of the season so far.
Mbeumo followed in the footsteps of Ivan Toney last season when he became only the second Brentford player ever to score 20 goals in a single Premier League campaign.
The 26-year-old was the subject of an extended pursuit from United in the summer as Brentford played hardball over his sale, but the Red Devils eventually landed the forward for up to £71million in July.
His early opener in United’s shock 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday made it three goals and one assist for Mbeumo in his first nine matches for his new club.
Bruno Fernandes is the only United player who has created more chances in the Premier League so far this season than Mbeumo’s 14.
And now Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer, has explained how impressed he has been with the Cameroon international’s start to life at Old Trafford.
United's Amad-Mbeumo partnership
16:54 , Alex DakersAmad Diallo believes his growing on-field partnership with Bryan Mbeumo is being helped by the pair’s relationship away from the pitch.
The former assisted the latter to open the scoring during last weekend’s victory over Liverpool.
It’s a combination that has been providing a substantial attacking threat down United’s right wing for weeks, with Amad as a wing-back and Mbeumo as a No10 on that side.
Speaking to United’s club website, Amad said: "At the beginning, because he was a new player, we were trying to understand each other.
"But now we find a solution: when he goes to right wing-back, I go as a no.10. When he plays as a no.10, I stay as a right wing-back.
The Ivory Coast international added: "So I think now we have a very good relationship, even outside the pitch. This is very important: not only to have a good relationship in the pitch, but also to have a good relationship outside the pitch, to put some things [together].
"A player has to be ready to play every position. I'm just here to give my best every game. If Bryan plays no.10, I am so happy and, if I play no.10, I'm so happy. But, for me, the most important thing is helping the team.
"If we win, we are happy!”
Brighton changes: De Cuyper in for Gomez, Welbeck starts
16:34 , Alex DakersAs for Brighton, Fabian Hurzeler makes just one change from last week’s win over Newcastle.
That’s the versatile Maxim De Cuyper in for Diego Gomez, who had been carrying a knock but was declared fit enough to at least make the matchday squad.
Danny Welbeck leads the line against his former club. He has four goals in his last three Premier League outings, courtesy of braces against Chelsea and the Magpies.
United changes: Yoro for injured Maguire, Sesko replaces Mount
16:32 , Alex DakersNo surprise, then, that Bruno Fernandes will indeed make his 300th appearance for Manchester United today!
Elsewhere, last weekend's winning goal-scorer Harry Maguire misses out through injury and Mason Mount - who was also dealing with a knock, according to Ruben Amorim’s comments during the week - is replaced by Benjamin Sesko.
Leny Yoro is the man that comes into the backline in place of Maguire, with Tyrell Malacia earning a first appearance in the matchday squad; he’s on the bench today, having been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the summer.
Brighton confirmed team news in full
16:26 , Alex DakersAnd the same for Brighton...
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper, Welbeck
Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Gomez, Coppola, Oriola
Man Utd confirmed team news in full
16:21 , Alex DakersHere’s United’s team news in full...
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
Subs: Bayindir, Dorgu, Heaven, Malacia, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Mount, Ugarte, Zirkzee
BRIGHTON TEAM NEWS
16:16 , Alex DakersAnd now for today’s visitors, Brighton & Hove Albion:
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's how we line up against @ManUtd this evening. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/x41j6aLbkL
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 25, 2025
MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
16:16 , Alex DakersThe team news is in!
Here’s Manchester United’s line-up and matchday squad:
UNITED! 🔴
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
UNITED! ⚪️
UNITED! ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/3Zxg0UOSnc
Seagulls land at Old Trafford
16:15 , Alex DakersBrighton will have little fear coming to Old Trafford given their recent record - three wins in a row - here.
Can they extend that flawless run today, or will United put a stop to it?
Touchdown in Old Trafford! 👋📍 pic.twitter.com/KkPbMOJfAW
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 25, 2025
United in the building
16:13 , Alex DakersThe hosts are in the building!
Feeling positive 👊 pic.twitter.com/hBW1UPSV92
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
Arriving at Old Trafford for another #PL test 💪 pic.twitter.com/uhpB6PCoZ3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
Ready for action 💪 pic.twitter.com/h53Z5tIDdK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
Pictured: Crowds gathering outside Old Trafford
16:10 , Alex Dakers
Baleba warned ahead of United 'audition'
16:05 , Alex DakersBrighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, meanwhile, has been handed a warning as he prepares to face Manchester United.
Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim sought to bolster his midfield options.
While reports stated Brighton were demanding more than £100m for the 21-year-old after rejecting an opening offer which included a player in exchange, the midfielder ultimately stayed put but has made an indifferent start to the season - so much so that he was been substituted at half-time by manager Fabian Hurzeler in three games so far.
Baleba looked to be back to his best last week as the Seagulls beat Newcastle at home and Hurzeler has warned the midfielder he can only improve if he ignores the noises from outside.
"For me, it's always important that I'm very transparent with the players. I have a very good relationship with Carlos,” Hurzeler said ahead of today’s match.
"Carlos won't get better if he only gets compliments and claps from outside. I think he will get better if he has a safe environment, but also honest feedback where he knows what he needs to improve.
“That's where we try to support him and make him better."
It comes amid recent reports, Baleba is still on United’s six-man midfield shortlist along with names such as Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Bruno: 300th United appearance a 'privilege'
15:58 , Alex DakersHere’s Fernandes speaking to the club about his upcoming 300th Manchester United appearance:
🥰 "This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."@B_Fernandes8 on the prospect of making his 300th United appearance tomorrow 🔴🧬 pic.twitter.com/aXVzhIX8Vk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2025
Fernandes not going anywhere... at least until after the World Cup
15:55 , Alex DakersWithin United’s current crop of players, few players are more important to the side than captain Bruno Fernandes.
The skipper is set to make his 300th appearance for the club today, and recently shut down rumours that he could depart Old Trafford for Saudi Arabia - at least until after the 2026 World Cup.
Fernandes is out of contract in 2027, but has the option of extending for a further year. He turned down an eye-watering offer from Al Hilal in the summer, with the Saudi outfit reportedly prepared to pay over £100million for his services.
Speaking ahead of today’s match, the Portuguese playmaker reiterated that he was fully focused on succeeding with United and denied any reports that he had agreed a move away.
"As I've always said, I feel good here. I want to achieve my dreams still," Fernandes said.
"I can't talk for the club. I've seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn't made with me. I haven't spoken with anyone.
"My agent also knows how I work. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won't speak to anyone."
Welbeck returns to Old Trafford in fine form
15:51 , Alex DakersAcross Brighton’s two recent wins over Chelsea and Newcastle, their clinical centre forward Danny Welbeck has been responsible for four goals.
The 34-year-old striker is, of course, a product of Manchester United’s academy and was a member of their senior team from his debut in 2008 until 2014, when he joined Arsenal.
Welbeck spent years at the Emirates followed by one with Watford, before his 2020 move to the south coast.
Since joining Brighton, he’s grabbed three goals (two of them in the last two seasons) and an assist against United, with all but one of those returns coming... right here at Old Trafford!
More of the same today from Welbz?
Brighton looking to extend unbeaten run
15:45 , Alex DakersAs well as having won their last three Premier League visits to Old Trafford, Brighton are on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions this season.
That run includes a draw against Tottenham plus victories over Chelsea and Newcastle.
A win today would take them above United and firmly into the top half of the table.
'I don't care' - Amorim on Man Utd criticism after Slot comments
15:35 , Alex DakersIn some more fall-out from last weekend’s Anfield showdown, Amorim has dismissed criticism of United’s style of play by saying he doesn’t care about comments from Liverpool manager Arne Slot - or anyone else.
In the aftermath of United beating their fierce rivals 2-1, Slot commented that “it is always difficult to play against a team that defends in a low block and mainly plays the long ball” in a perceived critique of his opponent’s approach.
But Amorim, having led the Red Devils to a first victory at Liverpool’s ground since 2016, said discussion of the match was “not important” as it is “in the past”.
“Important is what [Brighton and Hove Albion manager] Fabian [Hurzeler] said, to try to understand what is going to happen [this weekend],” he continued, speaking as his squad prepare to welcome the Seagulls to Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
“I understand everything. I am really pleased that the team can play different games.”
Of the victory over Liverpool, which marked the first time United had won back-to-back Premier League games during his near-year-long tenure, Amorim added: “It was an important win, but I was the first one to say that we need to play better with the ball.
“So, I don’t care what Slot is saying, what people are saying about our team.
“I can evaluate my team and I am really clear that we should play better with the ball. We are going to try to do that in this game.”
Amorim hopeful Manchester United can build on surprise Liverpool win
15:31 , Alex DakersRuben Amorim has challenged Manchester United to build on their surprise win over Liverpool.
Harry Maguire headed home in the 84th minute to secure a first United victory at Anfield for a decade and a fourth Premier League win of the season.
After Cody Gakpo narrowly missed a chance to win the match for Liverpool, though, Amorim said he does not want supporters to get carried away with the result.
"If Gakpo's shot was 20cm different, then the narrative would be different,” he explained, speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Brighton.
"If you are a manager and you don't win a lot of games, people are going to doubt you. They have reasons for that.
"My point of view is that we need to be clear on our path and not change so much because we win one game.
"We use the good spirit of winning games. We know that was a good weekend for us but our focus is on the next game.
"That is in the past and we need to understand that football can change a lot, especially in this kind of club. So we are not thinking about the last game. We are thinking that this game is going to be really hard to win."
Man Utd vs Brighton match odds: Red Devils the favourites
15:28 , Alex DakersManchester United to win: 10/11
Brighton to win: 21/10
Draw: 23/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Saturdays at OT > pic.twitter.com/EmOkOrEvUV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2025
H2H history: Seagulls seeking fourth straight win
15:25 , Alex DakersIt is well worth noting that Brighton have won on each of their last three trips to Old Trafford.
3-1, 3-1 and 2-1 were the score-lines from this Premier League fixture across the last three seasons.
Manchester United memories... 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/f3K7SPniqc
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 23, 2025
In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet when the Seagulls last tasted defeat at this ground, in a 2-0 loss back in February 2022.
Manchester United wins: 20
Brighton wins: 9
Draws: 5
Man Utd vs Brighton prediction
15:22 , Alex DakersThis match will be a massive test for Amorim. After struggling for so long, things finally seem to be looking up - if only slightly - and he could set United on a really positive path with a result against Brighton.
Of course, that is easier said than done. The Seagulls are not an easy team to beat. See, for reference, the recent win over Chelsea and 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
After battling to a huge win over Liverpool last time out, United must ride the wave.
Manchester United to win, 2-1.
Brighton early team news: Gomez fit, late calls on trio including Mitoma
15:18 , Alex DakersFor Brighton, Diego Gomez has shaken off a knock but late decisions will be made on the fitness of Kaoru Mitoma, Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman.
Adam Webster, Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood are all long-term absentees.
Man Utd early team news: Martinez still out, Maguire and Mount doubts
15:14 , Alex DakersLisandro Martinez is not quite yet ready to return for Manchester United, who have fresh doubts over Harry Maguire and Mason Mount.
Benjamin Sesko has scored twice in his last two starts and will be pushing for a recall after making a substitute appearance against Liverpool last time out.
Meanwhile, Leny Yoro is on standby if Maguire fails at late fitness test.
How to watch Man Utd vs Brighton
15:10 , Alex DakersTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting from 5pm BST ahead of a 5.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: Or, you can follow all the action on matchday right here in Standard Sport’s live blog!
Man Utd vs Brighton: Kick-off time and location
15:05 , Alex DakersManchester United vs Brighton is scheduled for a 5.30pm BST kick-off today, Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The match will take place at Old Trafford, in Manchester.
Follow Man Utd vs Brighton LIVE
14:59 , Alex DakersGood afternoon and welcome to today’s Standard Sport live blog coverage of Manchester United vs Brighton.
The Red Devils come into this evening’s tie at Old Trafford having just won back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time under Ruben Amorim thanks to a statement 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, are unbeaten in five games across all competitions, and sat just one place behind their hosts in the league table coming into Saturday’s match.
With kick-off just a couple of hours away, stick with us as we bring you everything you need to know as well as play-by-play updates once the action is underway.
