Manchester United and Brighton are set to light up Old Trafford this Sunday, January 11, 2026, in a mouthwatering FA Cup third-round clash that promises goals, drama, and plenty of talking points. With both sides eager to make an early statement in the competition, all eyes will be on the Theatre of Dreams as these Premier League rivals lock horns in a tie that’s got fans and pundits buzzing.
The anticipation around this fixture is palpable, and it’s not hard to see why. United, still adjusting to life after the departure of Ruben Amorim, have shown flashes of attacking brilliance but remain vulnerable at the back. Brighton, meanwhile, arrive with a reputation for entertaining football and a knack for finding the net, but their own defensive frailties have been exposed on the road in recent weeks. Add to that the recent form of key forwards and the stage is set for a classic FA Cup encounter.
Betting experts are already circling this fixture as one to watch, with Betfred offering an enticing 8/1 Bet Builder featuring over 3.5 goals, Danny Welbeck and Benjamin Sesko to score. It’s a tip that reflects the attacking firepower on display and the defensive issues both teams have struggled with lately. For punters looking for extra value, Betfred’s welcome offer of £50 in free sports bets for new customers who place a £10 football wager is adding another layer of excitement to the day.
Let’s dig into the numbers and see why this match is generating so much buzz. United’s defensive woes were laid bare in their recent clash with Burnley, where they conceded twice against a side languishing near the bottom of the table. While Amorim’s exit has left a managerial void, the Red Devils’ backline remains a work in progress, and Brighton will be eager to exploit any lapses.
Brighton’s own defensive record on the road doesn’t inspire much confidence, either. They’ve shipped two or more goals in three of their last four away matches, and their recent visits to Old Trafford have produced a flurry of goals. In fact, each of Brighton’s last three trips to the famous stadium has seen the over 3.5 goals mark comfortably cleared. It’s a trend that has punters licking their lips and suggests we could be in for another high-scoring affair.
On the attacking front, both teams boast players in fine form. Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko has been the talk of the town after his midweek heroics against Burnley. The Slovenian striker, just 22 years old, bagged a brace in that match, finishing with an eye-catching eight shots—seven of them on target. His relentless movement and clinical finishing have given United a new dimension up front, and fans will be hoping he can keep the momentum going against Brighton.
“Sesko was simply unstoppable against Burnley,” noted one analyst from Betfred. “He finished that contest with eight shots, with seven on target at an average of one every 11.3 minutes and an xG double that of the nearest United player.” It’s the kind of form that makes opposition defenders nervous, and Brighton’s backline will have their hands full trying to contain him.
On the other side, Brighton’s attack is spearheaded by the evergreen Danny Welbeck, who, at 35, is showing no signs of slowing down. Rested for the midweek trip to Manchester City, Welbeck is expected to lead the line at Old Trafford—a ground he knows well from his days as a United player. With eight goals in 22 appearances this season, Welbeck’s experience and eye for goal make him a constant threat.
Welbeck’s record against his former club is particularly impressive. He’s scored seven goals in 18 games against the Red Devils, including in the reverse fixture earlier this campaign. “Danny Welbeck has struck eight times in 22 appearances this season and boasts an excellent record against United,” Betfred’s experts pointed out. It’s a stat that will have United fans on edge and Brighton supporters dreaming of another famous cup moment.
The tactical battle promises to be fascinating. United’s attacking options are bolstered by the emergence of Sesko, but questions remain about their ability to keep things tight at the back. Brighton, with their expansive style, are always a threat going forward, but their defensive discipline will be tested by a United side eager to make a statement on home turf.
The history of this fixture suggests we’re in for a treat. High-scoring encounters have become the norm when these two teams meet at Old Trafford, with both sides happy to trade blows rather than sit back and defend. With the FA Cup’s knockout format adding an extra layer of jeopardy, neither team will want to leave anything to chance.
For United, this match is about more than just progressing to the next round. After a turbulent few months, a convincing win against a talented Brighton side could provide a much-needed boost and help steady the ship as they look to mount a challenge on multiple fronts. For Brighton, a cup run would be the perfect tonic after some inconsistent league form, and a victory at Old Trafford would send a clear message to the rest of the competition.
Fans will also be keeping an eye on the managers’ selections, with both squads boasting depth and quality. Will United stick with the in-form Sesko up front, or will they look to rotate and keep players fresh? Will Brighton unleash Welbeck from the start, or opt for a more cautious approach in the early stages? These are the kind of questions that add intrigue to an already compelling fixture.
As kickoff approaches, the sense of anticipation is only growing. With both teams capable of producing moments of magic—and moments of madness—this FA Cup tie has all the ingredients of a classic. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a neutral tuning in for the spectacle, one thing’s for certain: expect the unexpected at Old Trafford this Sunday.
The action gets underway at 19:00, and with Betfred’s betting specials and free bet offers adding to the excitement, fans have even more reason to get involved. Will it be another goal-fest? Can Sesko and Welbeck continue their rich veins of form? Or will the FA Cup serve up another twist in its storied history?
One thing is clear: with so much attacking talent on display and both teams desperate to make their mark, Sunday’s showdown between Manchester United and Brighton is set to be one of the highlights of the FA Cup third round. Don’t blink—you might just miss something special.
