The FA Cup Third Round reached a crescendo at Old Trafford today, Sunday, January 11, 2026, as Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion played out a tense 0–0 draw. The result means both sides must do it all again in a replay at the Amex Stadium later this month.
In a match overshadowed by managerial upheaval at United, the Red Devils were led by interim boss Darren Fletcher following the shock departure of Rúben Amorim earlier in the week. Despite a bright start and a debut for several returning stars, United found Fabian Hürzeler’s Seagulls an immovable object.
Match Summary: Fletcher’s First Home Test Ends Level
Manchester United entered the match on the back of three consecutive draws, and that streak extended to four in a cagey afternoon in Manchester. Fletcher handed a first start of the season to Kobbie Mainoo, who returned alongside Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to provide a much-needed creative boost.
United's best chance fell to Benjamin Šeško, fresh off his brace against Burnley, who saw a stinging volley expertly parried by Jason Steele in the 34th minute. Brighton, however, were far from passive. Danny Welbeck, returning to his old stomping ground, nearly silenced the Stretford End with a glancing header that clipped the crossbar in the second half. As the clock ticked down, United’s "patchwork" defense—missing the injured Matthijs de Ligt—held firm to ensure they remained in the hat for the fourth round.
Match Details & Final Lineups
Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
Final Score: Manchester United 0–0 Brighton
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Attendance: 73,410
Referee: Simon Hooper
Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Lammens (or Bayindir)
Defense: Dalot, Yoro, Martínez, Shaw
Midfield: Mainoo, Ugarte; Cunha, Fernandes (C), Dorgu
Attack: Šeško
Brighton & Hove Albion XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Steele
Defense: Veltman, Dunk (C), Van Hecke, De Cuyper
Midfield: Hinshelwood, Ayari, Groß
Attack: Mitoma, Welbeck, Rutter
The Storyline: Post-Amorim Era Begins
The Managerial Void: All eyes were on the dugout as Darren Fletcher took charge of his first game at Old Trafford. With rumors swirling about a potential return for Ole Gunnar Solskjær or Michael Carrick, Fletcher’s disciplined approach provided some stability to a side in transition.
AFCON Absences: Both teams were missing key African stars. United were without Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad, while Brighton missed Carlos Baleba.
The Brighton "Bogey": Brighton entered the match having won three of their last four visits to Old Trafford. While they didn't get the win today, Hürzeler will be the happier manager taking the tie back to the South Coast.
Key Stats & Facts
Draw Streak: This is the first time Manchester United have recorded four consecutive draws since December 2018.
FA Cup Resilience: United haven't suffered a third-round exit since the 2013-14 season.
Goal Drought: This was only the second time in 21 meetings that these two sides have played out a 0–0 draw.
The "Gross" Threat: Pascal Groß, who returned to Brighton in the January window from Dortmund, faced United for the 11th time, having previously scored seven goals against them.
What’s Next?
The two sides will face off in a Third-Round Replay at the Amex Stadium, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Before then, Manchester United must pivot back to the Premier League as the search for a permanent successor to Rúben Amorim intensifies. Brighton, meanwhile, continues their impressive season as they look to break into the top six.
