Manchester United v Brighton predicted lineups and team news

Ellis Statham Published: 17 minutes ago

Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

Man Utd have endured a severely underwhelming start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, picking up just four points from their opening four contests. Their 1-0 defeat against rivals Manchester City summarised the problems that still remain under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, registering just three shots on target against a team that were playing with 10 men for over 60 minutes.

Brighton appear to be going from strength to strength with Fabian Hurzeler at the helm, putting five past newly promoted Coventry City to add their second win of the top-flight season on Sunday afternoon.

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Man Utd v Brighton

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While Wednesday night's contest presents an opportunity for Carrick to make changes ahead of Sunday's trip to Fulham, he will want to deliver respectable cup runs this term after Man Utd crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round and the EFL Cup in the second round last term.

Former Leeds United man Karl Darlow could be in line for his first Red Devils appearance in between the sticks, while wholesale changes can be made in defence to utilise the strength in depth.

Carrick may opt for a defensive partnership of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, which would see Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez rested. Noussair Mazraoui is expected to replace Diogo Dalot at right-back, while Luke Shaw may return to the starting XI after missing the Manchester Derby with a minor injury.

Mason Mount is in need of minutes and could replace Youri Tielemans, who has started every game for Man Utd this season. Another change in the engine room may see summer arrival Andrey Santos return to the XI in place of Kobbie Mainoo.

Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes could be two of Sunday's starters who retain their place. Patrick Dorgu may occupy a more advanced role on the left flank in the event that Shaw returns, while Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line after scoring in his only start of the season against Sabah in the UEFA Champions League last week.

Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt remain sidelined for the hosts.

Brighton have the luxury of depth too, and Hurzeler is all but certain to use it. Jason Steele is expected to get the nod in between the sticks, while summer arrivals Costinha, Pascal Struijk and Jaouen Hadjam could be in line for their first Seagulls starts.

The experienced Pascal Gross -- who scored and registered two assists against Coventry last time out -- could partner prospective Spaniard Chema Andres in midfield. Matt O'Riley may also be in the running for a rare start.

In the event that Femi Azeez is not passed fit for the Old Trafford encounter, Diego Gomez is likely to retain his place at right-wing. Ibrahim Osman has made five appearances for Brighton this season and should feature, while Promise David could be set for his first Brighton start since joining the club from Union SG in the summer.