Manchester United to Host Brighton in FA Cup Third Round
Manchester, January 11, 2026 – Manchester United prepare to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 UTC. This fixture marks a potential rematch following United’s recent Premier League victory over the Seagulls in October 2025, and comes as both teams navigate their domestic campaigns.
Match Preview
United, under manager Ruben Amorim, have shown resilience in the Premier League, securing a fourth-place finish temporarily after their 4-2 win over Brighton on October 25, 2025. Brighton, meanwhile, have been competitive, drawing their last Premier League match against Manchester City 1-1 on January 7, 2026. The FA Cup offers a fresh opportunity for both sides to advance in the competition, with United aiming to build on their momentum and Brighton seeking to upset the hosts at Old Trafford.
Head-to-Head History
Manchester United and Brighton have met 19 times since 2017, with United holding a strong record of 10 wins, eight draws, and one loss. In the Premier League, United have dominated recent encounters, including a 4-2 triumph in October 2025 and a 2-0 victory in May 2024. Brighton last defeated United 3-1 in January 2025, but the Seagulls have struggled at Old Trafford, where United won their last home meeting 1-0 in January 2019.
Key Facts and Stats
| Statistic | Manchester United | Brighton & Hove Albion |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League Position (as of January 7, 2026) | 4th (16 points from 9 games) | 12th (12 points from 9 games) |
| Goals Scored (Last 5 PL Matches) | 9 | 14 |
| Goals Conceded (Last 5 PL Matches) | 8 | 15 |
| Head-to-Head Wins (Since 2017) | 10 | 8 |
| Average Goals per Match (H2H) | 1.65 | 1.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the match taking place?
The match is scheduled for January 11, 2026, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, with a kick-off time of 16:30 UTC.
What competition is this match part of?
This is a third-round fixture in the FA Cup, England’s premier knockout competition.
How have the teams performed recently?
Manchester United have won three consecutive Premier League matches, including the 4-2 victory over Brighton in October 2025. Brighton drew 1-1 with Manchester City in their most recent league outing on January 7, 2026.