Manchester United vs Brighton, FA Cup, 3rd round match: Preview, when and where to watch in India?

Manchester United embarks on their FA Cup journey against Brighton & Hove Albion amid turmoil following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim. Caretaker Darren Fletcher, seeks to stabilize the team.

United will face a confident Brighton in the third round of FA Cup on Sunday.

Manchester United will begin their FA Cup journey under a cloud of transition and high-stakes drama. The "Red Devils" host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in a third-round tie that carries immense weight for both clubs. For United, it is the first weekend of the "post-Amorim era" after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this week, while Brighton aims to capitalize on the chaos to secure their first-ever win in this competition at the Theatre of Dreams.

Match details

Match: Manchester United vs Brighton, FA Cup, 3rd round match

Dates: Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Venue: 10 PM IST

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Where can I watch the Manchester United vs Brighton, FA Cup, 3rd round match online?

Football fans in India can watch the Manchester United vs Brighton, FA Cup, 3rd round match on SonyLIV via OTTplay Premium.

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Head-to-head stats

In the FA Cup, Brighton and United have faced each other 7 times. United have won 5 times, while two matches were drawn. Brighton are yet to win a game against the Red Devils in FA Cup.

Preview

Following Amorim's exit, club legend Darren Fletcher remains in caretaker charge. Fletcher’s debut on Wednesday, a 2-2 draw with Burnley, offered glimpses of attacking flair but also exposed the defensive frailties that have plagued United this season.

With rumors swirling about the returns of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick as potential interim successors, Fletcher must focus on the pitch to keep United's only realistic trophy hope alive.

Brighton, managed by the tactically astute Fabian Hürzeler arrives in Manchester with quiet confidence. The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last three matches, including a disciplined 1-1 draw against Manchester City just days ago.

Historically, Brighton has found joy at Old Trafford in recent years, but they have never beaten United in an FA Cup fixture (last meeting being the 2023 semi-final).

Read also: Tottenham vs Aston Villa, FA Cup, 3rd round match: Preview, when and where to watch in India?

Team News

Both squads are stretched thin by a combination of the winter injury bug and the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a persistent back injury. The spotlight remains on Benjamin Šeško who scored twice in midweek and will lead the line today.

However, Yankuba Minteh faces a late fitness test for a "dead leg," while Mats Wieffer (toe) and Carlos Baleba (AFCON) are confirmed absentees. Kaoru Mitoma the hero of the draw against City, will be the primary threat on the left wing.

Tactical outlook

Fletcher is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, utilizing Matheus Cunha and Dorgu out wide to exploit Brighton’s high defensive line.

For Brighton, Hürzeler will likely employ a patient, possession-based approach, looking to bypass United’s midfield through creativity.

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