Manchester United v Brighton: Confirmed lineups and pre-match updates for Carabao Cup third round

Manchester United will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on 16 September 2026 in the third-round of the EFL Cup 2026-27, with confirmed starting lineups and pre-match updates released ahead of the tie. The fixture sees Michael Carrick’s Manchester United face Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton in a midweek cup meeting.

Brighton arrive with recent momentum in attack, having beaten Coventry City 5-0 in their last league outing and scored 17 goals across their previous five matches. The Seagulls have registered three wins in their last five meetings with Manchester United, but their backline has lacked consistency and will need to be compact at the Theatre of Dreams. Fabian Hürzeler’s side have adopted an attack-oriented approach in recent games, as reflected in their high goal return.

Manchester United are preparing for their first EFL Cup appearance of the season after a 0-1 loss to Manchester City in their most recent Premier League match. In that Manchester derby the Cityzens finished the game with ten men and United were unable to find the net, a performance Carrick’s team will be aiming to improve upon in cup competition. Old Trafford offers home advantage, but United will be conscious of the finishing issues that cost them against City.

Kobbie Mainoo, the 21-year-old Englishman, produced one of Manchester United’s most consistent displays in the 0-1 defeat to Man City, registering solid contributions across the pitch. Mainoo’s work rate has been highlighted by the club and he is expected to occupy a key role in midfield, tasked with breaking up Brighton’s attacks and helping United regain control in central areas.

For Brighton, Pascal Gross was influential in the 5-0 win over Coventry City; the 35-year-old converted a crucial spot kick and provided two assists in that match. Gross remains a central figure in Brighton’s attacking patterns and is expected to shoulder responsibility for creating chances against United’s defence. Brighton will look to his experience to supply service to their forward players at Old Trafford.

The Carabao Cup third-round meeting at Old Trafford on 16 September 2026 will decide which club progresses to the next stage of the EFL Cup 2026-27. Both teams head into the tie with distinct recent form narratives — United seeking a response after the Manchester derby, and Brighton arriving on the back of a prolific scoring run.