Team News: Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
By Adam Marshall
January 9, 2026
With the Emirates FA Cup third-round match against Brighton & Hove Albion approaching, Manchester United's interim manager, Darren Fletcher, provides an update on his squad.
Fletcher's Under-18s team secured a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday, and now they prepare for the upcoming clash at Old Trafford. The match will see United face Brighton, a team that has been making waves in recent seasons.
Several key players have returned to the matchday squad, including Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo. However, Maguire, who was an unused substitute at Turf Moor, is still being carefully managed due to his recent absence from the team.
Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo, on the other hand, are currently in Africa, representing Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the duo's absence, Fletcher acknowledges the challenge of a quick turnaround, stating that neither player will be available for the weekend game.
Regarding Maguire's return, Fletcher explains that the team's management is cautious, considering the player's recent absence. He mentions that the decision has not been finalized, but the team is taking a measured approach to ensure a smooth reintegration into the starting lineup.
Amad, a key player for Ivory Coast, is also participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, facing Egypt on Saturday. This leaves United with a few injury concerns, as Matthijs de Ligt is currently sidelined due to injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion's preparations for the match are also underway. Manager Fabian Hurzeler expresses his intention to make changes to his starting lineup, following a strong 1-1 draw against Manchester City in midweek. He emphasizes the importance of taking the competition seriously and giving opportunities to players who deserve them.
Among the players set to return is Yankuba Minteh, who will undergo a fitness test. Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas are also likely to be available, providing Brighton with a boost in their squad depth.
On the other hand, Mats Wieffer and Solly March are currently out of action, while Pascal Gross, who rejoined the club from Borussia Dortmund during the transfer window, has a history of scoring against United, having netted seven times in previous encounters.
