Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, looking to respond after a controversial derby defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.
Victory would set up a fourth-round tie and offer United a rare route to silverware after their early exit from this competition last season. Carrick’s side have made an underwhelming start to the campaign, and a positive result against in-form Brighton would go some way to easing growing scrutiny on the head coach.
Manchester United team news
Man United will be without Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Tom Heaton and Carlos Baleba, all of whom remain sidelined with injuries. Luke Shaw is a fitness doubt after missing Sunday’s derby and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
With Shaw a doubt, Patrick Dorgu could continue at left-back, or Carrick may push him further forward and use Noussair Mazraoui on the left of a four-man defence instead. Andrey Santos is pushing for a recall in midfield, and Benjamin Sesko is set for his second start of the campaign up front ahead of Matheus Cunha, who has struggled to make an impact as a false nine.
Manchester United predicted lineup
Manchester United possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup third-round match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
How to watch Manchester United vs Brighton?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and ITV1 in the UK.
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