Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, with both sides expected to use the occasion to assess squad depth. The fixture is not part of the final round of the 2025–26 Premier League season; it is an early domestic-cup test for two teams whose recent league form has taken contrasting paths.
Brighton arrive fourth in the Premier League after four matches and as the division’s highest scorers, with 13 goals. That positive start gives manager Fabian Hürzeler room to rotate, but the Seagulls’ attacking approach means United will still face a difficult opponent even if several regular starters are rested.
A number of Brighton’s summer recruits are in contention to start. Record signing Luka Vušković could feature again at centre-back, while João Costinha, Pascal Struijk, Jaouen Hadjam, Chema Andrés and Promise David are among the newer arrivals pushing for opportunities. Diego Gómez is also a likely inclusion after making a strong impression in the opening weeks of the season.
Mats Wieffer remains an injury doubt. Brighton are also managing concerns over Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson, Yankuba Minteh, Jack Hinshelwood and Stefanos Tzimas, restricting Hürzeler’s options in several areas of the team.
Bart Verbruggen is expected to start in goal, with Costinha, Struijk, Lewis Dunk and Ferdi Kadıoğlu possible defensive options. Pascal Groß and Chema Andrés could feature in midfield, while Gómez, Malick Yalcouyé, Maxim De Cuyper and Charalampos Kostoulas are among the players expected to compete for attacking roles. These remain projected selections rather than confirmed lineups.
Manchester United enter the match seeking a response after Sunday’s 1–0 Manchester derby defeat. Michael Carrick is also likely to make changes, with Karl Darlow, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Andrey Santos among the players in contention for starts.
Luke Shaw could return after missing the derby, subject to a late fitness assessment. United are expected to remain without Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo, reducing Carrick’s flexibility as he looks to refresh his side.
Benjamin Šeško is likely to be considered for a central role in attack, with Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Shea Lacey among the younger or less regularly used players who could benefit from the cup tie. Carrick may decide to rest senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo, or limit their minutes after the derby.
The game gives Brighton an opportunity to demonstrate the depth created by their summer recruitment, while United will look for a more convincing performance after the disappointment of the Manchester derby. With both managers expected to rotate, the contest could prove especially important for players attempting to establish themselves in each club’s strongest plans.
