Manchester United have now discovered their opponents for the third round of the FA Cup.
The Red Devils have been drawn against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, with the tie scheduled for the weekend of 10/11 January 2026.
It is a fairly tough fixture for United as they would have preferred a lower-league opponent to ease into the competition.
There are a further three all-Premier League ties in the third round of this domestic competition.
United famously won the FA Cup in 2024, beating Manchester City in the final.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the two goals for the Red Devils, practically saving Erik ten Hag’s job.
United were knocked out of the cup in the fifth round by Fulham last season.
The contest finished 1-1 in normal time before the Cottagers held their nerve in the penalty shootout to send United packing.
Brighton may not have hit their usual heights this season, but they remain a side capable of troubling any opponent on their day.
United know this all too well, as the Seagulls have repeatedly proven they can upset the odds in recent campaigns.
The two clubs already clashed earlier this season, with United coming out on top in a thrilling 4-2 victory.
Matheus Cunha, Casemiro and a Bryan Mbeumo brace powered the Red Devils to an entertaining win in that encounter.
Unfortunately for United, they could be without the services of Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui as they will be taking part in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).