It was unlike Brighton to go so hard in the summer 2024 transfer window but there are signs the investment is beginning to pay off

Man United have faced Brighton in six previous FA Cup ties and have won them all, most recently in the 2023 semifinals, prevailing 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw. In the league, though, Brighton have won three of their last four visits to Old Trafford (the lone loss came this season, a 4-2 reverse) and that makes for an intriguing fixture.

The Red Devils kicked off the post-Ruben Amorim era with an underwhelming draw symbolic of the Portuguese’s reign, with caretaker boss Darren Fletcher hopeful of significant improvements from the 2–2 stalemate at Burnley.

Brighton made a Premier League record profit across all clubs of £122.8m in 2022-23. That was aided by player sales, merit money for finishing sixth to qualify for Europe for the first time and compensation for the move by De Zerbi’s predecessor Graham Potter and members of his backroom staff to Chelsea in September 2022.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion English Fa Cup game from January 11, 2026 on ESPN.

Man United knocked out by Brighton as familiar flaws resurfaceManchester United’s season continues to unravel, this time under the unforgiving spotlight of the FA Cup. A 2-1 defeat to Brighton at

FA Cup latest score, match stream and goal updates - Darren Fletcher takes charge of second game as interim manager