Michael Carrick is set to make some changes to the Manchester United team that lost to local rivals City.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Michael Carrick has a decision to make on Bruno Fernandes. (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick and Manchester United will be desperate to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday, by advancing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup tonight. They take on Brighton & Hove Albion FC, with the Red Devils still reeling from a controversial Erling Haaland winner four days ago that Pro Ref have since admitted should have been ruled out.
But attention must turn to cup duty and Brighton will prove a tough opponent, fresh off their 5-0 win away to Coventry in their last match. Carrick has a decision to make about how much he values the competition as a whole, and whether to give his star players valuable rest or keep his strongest team together in a bid to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Here, our Express Sport writers have named the starting lineups we would play against Brighton...
If you were to order all of Man United's matches on a list of priority this season, a Carabao Cup third-round tie would undoubtedly be at the very bottom. In the Carabao Cup, unless you're going to win it, you're better off going out in the third round.
So that said, Michael Carrick must take this chance to give some fringe players minutes to see if they can rise to the challenge against an in-form Brighton. Karl Darlow should get his debut in goal, and there should be at least three changes to the back four. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven should start. Noussair Mazraoui too. I think Harry Amass deserves a chance at left-back.
In midfield, Andrey Santos and Mason Mount need starts. This is a match where you have to rest Bruno Fernandes. So maybe you pick Mount in the No.10 and start Tyler Fletcher next to Santos. Shea Lacey was sent off at home to Brighton in the FA Cup last season and it's time for him to right that wrong.
On the left, Marcus Rashford didn't play a single minute in the Champions League last week so should be fresh to start. Then Benjamin Sesko could do with an hour up top to get him closer to peak sharpness.
Darlow; Mazraoui, Heaven, Yoro, Amass; Santos, Fletcher; Lacey, Mount, Rashford; Sesko
Given United's start to the season, Michael Carrick really can't afford another slip-up this early on. But with the Champions League schedule also complicating things, rotation is definitely necessary.
Karl Darlow will come in for his first competitive start, while it's all change at the back, bar Lisandro Martinez, who could do with getting some rhythm. Youri Tielemans came off early-ish on Sunday, so he could be fine to play, with Andrey Santos and Mason Mount earning their first starts together in midfield.
Matheus Cunha to retain his spot in attack, but playing in a more natural position off the left, with Benjamin Sesko leading the line, and Shea Lacey coming in off the right.
Darlow; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Amass; Tielemans, Santos, Mount; Cunha, Sesko, Lacey
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Manchester United v Sabah FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Shea Lacey could play after JJ Gabriel was left out of the squad. (Image: Getty)
A strong mix of youth and experience should keep everyone happy while retaining a squad capable of competing with in-form Brighton.
It's going to be a long and gruelling season, with United hopeful of competing in four competitions, as opposed to last season's one. With that in mind, the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire have to be preserved for greater challenges ahead.
The exciting Shea Lacey gets a start in place of what could have been JJ Gabriel, though the wantaway likely would have come off the bench as opposed to starting.
But some valuable minutes for Karl Darlow, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui and Mason Mount in a season where they will need to be relied upon at times.
Darlow; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui; Santos, Mainoo; Lacey, Mount, Cunha; Sesko
Defeat at the hands of Brighton would be another body blow for United, who should deploy a near-full-strength side to ensure they get the job done.
Senne Lammens should get the nod between the sticks ahead of Karl Darlow, while Ayden Heaven will have the opportunity to put in a good display after a stuttering start to the campaign. Luke Shaw is approaching full fitness but there's little point in risking a late setback by throwing him into the starting XI.
A strong midfield will be crucial when it comes to controlling the game and Bruno Fernandes should definitely start, as resting him would increase the risk of an adverse result. Meanwhile, in attack, it's time for Benjamin Sesko to make his first start of the season after his decisive contribution against Everton last time out.
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Mazraoui; Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy