While the club's leadership was interviewing Solskjaer and Carrick, another former star player – Darren Fletcher – led Manchester United through a dramatic 90 minutes at Turf Moor in his first match as interim manager.

The appointment of the Scottish manager on an interim basis, along with the switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, has breathed new life into Benjamin Sesko, who just scored his first brace in the Premier League.

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Sesko just scored a brace against Burnley - Photo: Premier League

Unfortunately, an own goal from Ayden Heaven and a superb finish from Jaidon Anthony robbed the Red Devils of a valuable victory.

Ending a dismal era under Ruben Amorim, MU entered their FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton with a run of three consecutive draws.

Despite facing numerous problems since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Manchester United have not been eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup since the 2013/14 season.

If Manchester United win the oldest football competition in England, they will equal Arsenal's record of 14 titles, and MU will also have the opportunity to return to European competition through the Europa League.

Captain Bruno Fernandes' impressive return will boost the morale of the Red Devils. Fans at Old Trafford will be looking forward to Bruno's razor-sharp passes that will allow Sesko to sneak in and score.

On the other side of the pitch, Brighton also rarely get eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round, having won 14 of their last 16 matches in this round.

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Cunha helped MU beat Brighton 4-2 this season - Photo: Sky Sports

Fabian Hurzeler's team impressively held Manchester City to a draw midweek. However, that doesn't mask the fact that they've only won 1 of their last 8 matches.

Brighton have also won only once away from home since the beginning of October 2025, including a 2-4 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Therefore, this is a trip that is predicted to be fraught with danger for Mitoma and his teammates.

Asian Handicap: MU -0.5 (0: 1/2) - Over/Under: 3 (draw)

Prediction: MU wins 2-1

Force information

MU : De Ligt is the only remaining injury case. Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Mbeumo are still participating in AFCON. Casemiro, Lammens, and Shaw may be rested.

Brighton: Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Solly March, Adam Webster, and Stefanos Tzimas are injured. Joel Veltman and Kostoulas could return. Baleba is participating in AFCON.

Predicted lineup

MU : Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven; Mainoo, Ugarte; Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko.

Brighton: Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Milner, Gross; Mitoma, Gomez, Watson; Welbeck.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-mu-vs-brighton-quy-do-khat-thang-2480541.html