Darren Fletcher has handed out a hint as to changes to his starting XI for when Manchester United line up to face Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Manchester United open their FA Cup journey on Sunday afternoon, hosting Brighton at Old Trafford.
The Reds have already been kept busy this season, contesting 22 competitive fixtures, 21 of them in the Premier League, alongside a Carabao Cup second-round exit to Grimsby Town. The FA Cup therefore provides a welcome shift in focus.
It has been a challenging week for United, who dismissed Rúben Amorim on Monday before settling for a 2-2 draw away to Burnley on Wednesday evening.
Despite the circumstances, there were positives to take, with Benjamin Šeško scoring twice and 18-year-old Shea Lacey making a promising cameo appearance.
Sunday’s clash comes as uncertainty continues behind the scenes, with the club still searching for a caretaker manager to lead the side through to the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Former Reds Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick are currently among the frontrunners.
Fletcher hints at Mainoo chance vs Brighton
Under Amorim, United saw a multitude of changes to the starting XI due to tactical shifts and injuries, when most would agree that it’s much more ideal to have a consistent starting team as possible.
However, the FA Cup is always a competition where sides, especially those with significant Premier League objectives, give their fringe and younger players the chance to shine.
One player who has not started for a significant period and could be in line to return to the XI is Kobbie Mainoo, who was all but frozen out of starting lineups under Amorim.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Fletcher stated that he feels the young midfielder is in a good place, adding that he’s been training well since returning from injury.
“He seems in a good place,” the interim boss said. “Kobbie doesn’t give you much. He’s like that, it’s just his natural way, I know him well, I’ve seen him around the building and had a conversation with him.
“He’s in a good place; he’s comfortable with this environment. He’s trained well.” With the second half of the season now well underway, starting Mainoo against Brighton could be the first step in a pivotal reintroduction to senior football for the 20-year-old.
Will VAR be used for United vs Brighton?
Unlike all Premier League fixtures, the FA have confirmed that neither Video Assistant Referees (VAR) nor Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will be used for the clash at Old Trafford.
It was confirmed on Friday that the technologies will not be used until the fifth round of the FA Cup this season, which mirrors last season’s competition.
The FA have also confirmed that Simon Hooper will officiate the tie, with Adrian Holmes his Simon Long his assistants. Paul Tierney has been elected as the fourth official.
Hooper has officiated United twice already this season – the 1-0 loss against Arsenal and 4-4 draw against Bournemouth – with both ties coming at Old Trafford.
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