There is an outside chance Darren Fletcher could see one AFCON star return as Manchester United host Brighton in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are embarking on their efforts to retain the FA Cup as Darren Fletcher’s Reds welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
United have played 22 competitive fixtures this season, with 21 in the Premier League and the other a Carabao Cup second-round loss to Grimsby Town, so the introduction of a fresh competition is a welcome change for the Reds.
Following Rúben Amorim’s sacking on Monday, United drew 2-2 with Burnley on Wednesday evening, although positives such as Benjamin Šeško’s brace and a cameo from 18-year-old Shea Lacey have given light to the side.
The fixture against Brighton comes at a time when the Old Trafford club are still searching for a caretaker manager to lead them until the end of the 2025/26 season, with former Reds Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick top of the list.
The Burnley draw saw four United players, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes, all return from injury, and Fletcher could see further reinforcements arrive ahead of the fixture, with the full injury latest explained below.
Matthijs de Ligt
What happened: Matthijs de Ligt had been one of United’s best players this season, but suffered an injury against Crystal Palace at the end of November:
What was said: Earlier last month, Amorim said on the return of De Ligt: “I don’t know, sometimes you have an idea, then you have to see day by day. I’m not going to say when he is coming back.” There has been no update since.
Possible return date: N/A
A possible return from AFCON?
What’s happening: Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazroaui are due to face each other as Cameroon and Morocco go head to head at the AFCON quarter-final stage on Friday evening.
What will happen: Whoever loses the fixture will be eliminated from the tournament and will fly back to Manchester on Saturday, with the club then facing Brighton on Sunday.
Could they feature against Brighton: If Mazraoui is the one to return, United may leave him to rest and recover, but if Mbeumo arrives back at Old Trafford, United could try and rush him back to the squad to fature off the bench to add to their firepower.
Read More: “It suited…” Darren Fletcher issues Man Utd ‘squad’ dig at Rúben Amorim after Shea Lacey message
Amad
What’s happening: Amad’s Ivory Coast are due to play Egypt in the AFCON quarter-finals on Saturday evening, with the winger having won three Player of the Match awards in four games.
What could happen: The Ivory Coast are the current AFCON holders, but Egypt have won the competition more times than any other country (7). If the former loses, Amad will return; if not, he will advance to the semi-finals.
Could he feature against Brighton: No. Even if the Ivory Coast are knocked out, Amad would not return to Manchester until Sunday or Monday, but he would be available to face Manchester City next weekend.
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