However, the general form of the Mancunians raises questions: three consecutive draws in the Premier League is a result that only emphasizes the instability of the Manchester team. At the same time, the FA Cup remains almost the only real path for United to a trophy and a potential return to European competition. History on the home side: the team have not been relegated at the third-round stage since 2013/14 and are in with a chance of equaling Arsenal’s record number of wins in the tournament with 14.

Fabian Guertzeler’s Brighton arrive in Manchester with the feeling that this chance is more than a formality. The Seagulls have already stopped the giants in 2026, drawing with Manchester City at the Etihad, and their ability to get back into the game makes the team extremely uncomfortable in cup clashes.

Despite just one win in their last eight matches, Brighton are steady in the third round of the FA Cup, with 14 exits in 16 attempts. The team remembers the 1983 final, lost to Manchester United, and seeks to rewrite its own history. In addition, the “Seagulls” have triumphed at Old Trafford more than once in the championship, so they do not have a psychological barrier in front of this stadium.