Carabao Cup Clash
Manchester United Rotates Squad to Face Brighton in Carabao Cup Third Round
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Key Points
1
Manchester United have won only one of their opening four Premier League matches, increasing pressure on Michael Carrick ahead of the cup tie.
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Amad Diallo has not played this season because of an ankle-ligament injury, and Carrick said the winger is “not quite close” to returning. Matthijs de Ligt is also rebuilding fitness after a back injury that has kept him out since November 2025.
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Brighton are fourth in the Premier League after four matches, giving them an encouraging league platform despite their injury list.
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Jason Steele’s appearance would be his first start of the season and his first competitive action since returning from the World Cup, where he worked as part of England training goalkeeper Thomas Tuchel’s setup.
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Pascal Gross has scored three of Brighton’s goals in their four victories at Old Trafford, making him a notable historical threat in this fixture.
Manchester United hosts Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday seeking a quick bounce-back after losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the derby. Manager Michael Carrick plans to rotate his lineup heavily, with Benjamin Sesko, Andrey Santos, and possibly Leny Yoro expected to start Daily Hunt, while Brighton arrive fourth in the Premier League but hampered by an extensive injury list Athlonn Sports.
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time at Old Trafford, where Brighton have won four of their last five visits. Pascal Gross has scored three goals in those victories, making him a historical threat in this fixture Heavy.
Carrick Rotates Squad After Derby Disappointment
Manchester United have won just one of their opening four Premier League matches, piling pressure on Michael Carrick ahead of the cup tie Athlonn Sports. The manager stated the team needs to "quickly get back to winning ways" ahead of the international break Daily Hunt. Carrick is expected to make significant changes to freshen up his squad for this competition.
Luke Shaw could return from a minor injury but remains a late decision The Standard. However, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, and Carlos Baleba are all unavailable or still recovering. Carrick said Diallo is "not quite close" to returning from his ankle-ligament injury that has sidelined him all season Heavy.
Brighton Face Injury Crisis Despite Strong League Position
Brighton sit fourth in the Premier League after just four matches, giving them a solid platform despite their mounting casualty list Athlonn Sports. Reserve goalkeeper Jason Steele is set to make his first start of the season, marking his first competitive action since returning from working with England's setup at the World Cup Heavy.
The Seagulls will be missing Yankuba Minteh, Stefanos Tzimas, Mats Wieffer, Zadok Yohanna, and Evan Ferguson among others Heavy. As many as 15 players across both teams could miss the clash due to injuries, creating an unpredictable matchup Heavy.
Central Defense Uncertainty Ahead of Kickoff
Reports differ on whether Leny Yoro would partner Harry Maguire or Ayden Heaven in central defense Heavy. This uncertainty reflects the depth of Carrick's squad rotation plans for the cup competition. The defensive lineup will be crucial against Brighton's experienced attacking threat.
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