Manchester United XI vs Brighton: Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester United continue life after Ruben Amorim this weekend as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round, with Darren Fletcher expected to make only minor tweaks to his caretaker setup.

After a dramatic 2-2 draw away at Burnley in midweek, United now turn their attention to cup football, with squad depth, fitness and availability all shaping Fletcher’s selection.

Fletcher took charge of his first senior match on Wednesday, opting for a 4-2-3-1 system rather than Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1. That tactical shift is expected to remain in place for the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion.

In goal, Senne Lammens started at Turf Moor, but Altay Bayindir could be handed an FA Cup opportunity.

At full-back, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are likely to continue, with limited alternatives available. Patrick Dorguagain looks set for an advanced role on the left.

In central defence, Ayden Heaven partnered Lisandro Martínez against Burnley, but Harry Maguire has returned from injury and could start.

A pairing of Maguire and Leny Yoro is a strong possibility as Fletcher manages Heaven’s workload.

Bruno Fernandes made his return at Turf Moor, with his minutes carefully managed before being replaced by Mason Mount.

Mount is expected to start here, potentially alongside Fernandes, as Fletcher looks to rebuild rhythm and sharpness in midfield. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are likely to anchor the side.

United’s attacking options remain stretched. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are both away at AFCON, leaving Fletcher with limited width.

Against Burnley, Matheus Cunha featured on the right, with Dorgu on the left and Benjamin Šeško scoring twice up front.

For the cup tie, Joshua Zirkzee could be handed a start as Fletcher considers rotation.

Bayindir; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Fernandes, Cunha; Zirkzee

Injured: Matthijs de Ligt
AFCON: Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo

With Premier League stability still fragile, the FA Cup offers Manchester United a chance to build momentum and confidence under interim leadership. A strong performance against Brighton would ease pressure and buy Fletcher valuable goodwill as the club continues its post-Amorim transition.