Shocking FA Cup 2026: Man Utd vs Brighton Live Score

Live at Old Trafford: The Fletcher Era Continues

The atmosphere at Old Trafford is electric this Sunday evening as Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the headline fixture of the FA Cup Third Round. Kicking off at 4:30 PM GMT (11:30 AM ET), this clash represents more than just a cup tie; it is a critical test for interim manager Darren Fletcher. following the turbulent departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this week.

With the eyes of the footballing world fixed on Manchester, United are looking to build on their gritty 2-2 draw against Burnley, while Brighton arrive with hopes of inflicting further misery on the Red Devils.

For USA-based fans tuning in on ESPN+, the stakes couldn’t be higher. United’s season hangs in the balance, and the FA Cup offers perhaps the most realistic route to silverware in 2026. Brighton, meanwhile, have become something of a bogey team for United in recent years, winning three of their last five visits to this iconic stadium.

Today’s encounter promises goals, drama, and the relentless intensity characteristic of English football’s oldest competition.

Confirmed Lineups: Bold Changes from Fletcher

The team news dropped an hour before kickoff, revealing significant changes for the hosts. Darren Fletcher has opted to rotate his squad while maintaining a strong core, signalling his intent to take the competition seriously. The most talking point is the inclusion of new signing Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu at left-back, replacing the absent Luke Shaw.

Manchester United Starting XI

Fletcher has set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu

Midfielders:Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo

Attacking Midfield: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes (c), Matheus Cunha Forward: Benjamin Sesko

Notable inclusions are *Kobbie Mainoo* and *Mason Mount*, who return to the starting lineup after cameo appearances in midweek. *Leny Yoro* is restored to the heart of defence alongside Martinez. The bench is equally strong, featuring Harry Maguire—returning from injury—along with Casemiro, Zirkzee, and young talent Lacey.

Brighton & Hove Albion Starting XI

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler counters with his own dynamic setup: *Goalkeeper:* Jason Steele *Defenders: Veltman, Coppola, Boscagli, Kadioglu *Midfielders:* Hinshelwood, Gross *Attackers:* Gruda, Rutter, Gomez, Welbeck Former United striker **Danny Welbeck** leads the line, always a threat against his boyhood club. The absence of Mitoma from the starting XI suggests a tactical ploy to unleash pace late in the game, though he is available on the bench.

Live Match Updates: First Half Action

**Kickoff (1′ – 15′):** The match began at a frantic pace. Manchester United, buoyed by the home crowd, pressed high immediately. In the 2nd minute, **Matheus Cunha** drifted infield and delivered a sublime ball to Diogo Dalot, who found himself one-on-one with Jason Steele. However, a heavy first touch allowed the Brighton keeper to smother the danger—a huge let-off for the Seagulls.

**(16′ – 30′):** Brighton began to settle into their rhythm, dominating possession in midfield through Pascal Gross. They silenced Old Trafford in the 22nd minute when **Georginio Rutter** found space between Yoro and Martinez, firing a low shot that Lammens tipped onto the post. The warning signs were there for United.

**GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Brighton (34′):** The breakthrough came from a moment of individual brilliance. **Bruno Fernandes**, operating centrally, dispossessed Hinshelwood and drove forward. He slipped a through ball to **Benjamin Sesko**, who held off Boscagli before rifling a shot into the top corner. A debut FA Cup goal for the striker!

Half-Time Analysis: United’s Fragile Lead

At the break, Manchester United held a slender 1-0 advantage. While the scoreline favored the hosts, the underlying stats told a different story. Brighton enjoyed 58% possession and looked dangerous on the transition. Fletcher’s halftime team talk would undoubtedly focus on tightening the gaps between midfield and defence, where Rutter and Gomez were finding too much space.

Second Half Live Feed: Drama Unfolds

(46′ – 60′): No changes at the break. Brighton came out with renewed intent. In the 52nd minute, **Danny Welbeck** nearly haunted his former club, glancing a header just wide from a Kadioglu cross. United looked content to play on the counter, utilizing the pace of Cunha and Sesko.

GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Brighton (64′): The equalizer was inevitable. Sustained pressure from the visitors resulted in a corner. The initial delivery was cleared, but the ball fell to **Ferdi Kadioglu** on the edge of the box. His volley took a wicked deflection off Ugarte, wrong-footing Lammens and nesting in the net. 1-1. Game on.

(75′): Fletcher responds. **Mason Mount* and *Manuel Ugarte* make way for *Casemiro* and *Joshua Zirkzee*. United shift to a more attacking 4-1-4-1 shape, trying to regain control. The atmosphere at Old Trafford is tense, with groans audible every time possession is lost.

Tactical Deep Dive: The Midfield Battle

The key tactical battle has been in the central zones. Kobbie Mainoo has been tasked with man-marking Pascal Gross to disrupt Brighton’s buildup, a strategy that worked well in the first 30 minutes but faded as fatigue set in. Brighton’s fluid rotation, with full-backs Veltman and Kadioglu inverting, has overloaded United’s midfield pivot.

Fletcher’s decision to play *Matheus Cunha* wide left has been interesting. While it offers creativity, it often leaves *Patrick Dorgu* isolated against the overlapping runs of Brighton’s right side. This structural vulnerability was exploited for the equalizer and remains the primary area of concern as we enter the dying minutes.

Latest Scores Around the Grounds

While eyes are on Old Trafford, other FA Cup Third Round ties have provided plenty of entertainment this weekend: *Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal:* Earlier today, Gabriel Martinelli scored a stunning hat-trick as the Gunners dismantled Portsmouth at Fratton Park. A professional display from Arteta’s men. *Charlton 1-5 Chelsea:* Yesterday, new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior enjoyed a dream start.

Goals from Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez secured a rout at The Valley. *Macclesfield FC vs Crystal Palace:* In one of the greatest upsets in history, non-league Macclesfield stunned the holders Crystal Palace yesterday. A true ‘Magic of the Cup’ moment that will be talked about for decades.

Late Match Drama (85′ – 90+’)

(88′): HUGE CHANCE for United! Casemiro wins the ball high up the pitch and feeds **Bruno Fernandes**. The captain unleashes a thunderbolt from 25 yards that rattles the crossbar. Old Trafford gasps. So close to a winner.

(90+4′): The fourth official indicates 5 minutes of added time. Both teams are pushing for the win, neither wanting a replay at the Amex Stadium. It’s end-to-end stuff now. Brighton substitute **Kaoru Mitoma** is causing havoc with his fresh legs against a tiring Diogo Dalot.

Benjamin Sesko: The New Hero?

Regardless of the final whistle, *Benjamin Sesko* has been the standout performer for the Red Devils. His physicality and direct running have given United a focal point they have sorely missed. His goal—a mix of power and precision—showcased why the club invested so heavily in his talents. In a season of uncertainty, Sesko is emerging as a reliable constant.

Managerial Context: Fletcher’s Audition

Darren Fletcher is officially the interim boss, but rumors are swirling. Speculation links Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick with a return to the dugout. Every minute of this match is an audition for Fletcher.

A win against a high-flying Brighton side would significantly strengthen his claim for the permanent role, or at least stabilize the ship until the summer. His touchline demeanor has been animated, constantly organizing his back four—a sign of a man fully invested in the challenge.

USA Viewer Information & Global Impact

For our American readers, the FA Cup remains a premier spectacle. Today’s match was broadcast live on ESPN+, continuing the network’s comprehensive coverage of English soccer. The interest in the US is surging, partly due to the high profile of Premier League clubs and the growing number of American talents in European academies.

While no USMNT stars started today’s game for either side, the global reach of Manchester United ensures millions of households across the States are tuned in.

Statistical Breakdown: Match Facts

As we approach the final whistle, here are the key stats: *Possession:**

Man Utd 42% – 58% Brighton *Shots on Target: Man Utd 5 – 4 Brighton*Corners:* Man Utd 3 – 6 Brighton *Fouls:* Man Utd 12 – 8 Brighton The stats reflect Brighton’s control of the ball, but United’s efficiency in front of goal has kept them in the tie. The low possession count for a home game at Old Trafford is a worrying trend that the next permanent manager will need to address.

What Next for the Winner?

The winner of today’s tie will advance to the FA Cup Fourth Round, scheduled for late January. The draw is likely to take place shortly, with big guns like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal already in the hat. For the loser, it’s a sole focus on the league campaign. United, currently fighting for a European spot, can ill afford to lose the momentum a cup run generates.

Fan Reaction: Social Media Explodes

Twitter (X) and Reddit are ablaze with reactions. The hashtag #MUNBHA is trending globally. United fans are praising **Leny Yoro’s** composure but questioning the midfield balance. Brighton supporters feel aggrieved not to be leading, citing a potential penalty claim in the 55th minute that was waved away by VAR. The consensus? A draw might be a fair result, but nobody wants a replay.

A Cup Tie to Remember

As the referee prepares to blow the final whistle, this FA Cup Third Round tie has delivered on its promise. It hasn’t been a tactical masterclass, but rather a gritty, high-stakes battle typical of English cup football.

Manchester United have shown resilience under Fletcher, while Brighton have demonstrated why they are one of the most feared sides in the country. Stay tuned to *Football Daily* for the final score, post-match interviews, and the Fourth Round draw details coming up next.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article reflects the live events and latest updates available at the time of writing (January 11, 2026). Match scores, statistics, and player details are subject to change as the game concludes and official reports are finalized. Please verify with official club channels for the most current data.

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