Nine Players Ruled Out for Manchester United’s Match Against Brighton

Manchester United fans will be paying close attention to player fitness this weekend as squad availability becomes a hot topic ahead of their FA Cup match.

Recent games have highlighted how changes in the lineup can significantly impact United’s performance across competitions.

Injuries have tested the squad’s depth, requiring managers to adjust tactics and call on younger players to step up.

Additionally, African players like Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are competing in the Africa Cup of Nations, limiting options in critical areas.

As cup matches demand resilience, every fitness update is crucial in a season where consistency has been challenging.

Manchester United aims to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, with caretaker manager Darren Fletcher overseeing the team after a 2-2 draw against Burnley.

United’s injury troubles continue, with centre-back Matthijs de Ligt still out due to a back issue, having missed the last eight matches; his participation in the cup match is uncertain as the club manages his recovery.

In addition, United will be without three players at the Africa Cup of Nations: Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo, who is with the Ivory Coast team.

These absences complicate Fletcher’s selection decisions.

Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount returned from injury during the midweek match and are expected to enhance Fletcher’s options, while Harry Maguire, who was a substitute, could also be in contention following his return.

Brighton arrives on the heels of a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and has its own list of injured players.

Striker Stefanos Tzimas is out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury, and Solly March, Mats Wieffer, and Adam Webster are sidelined due to knee injuries.

The Seagulls are also impacted by Carlos Baleba’s participation in AFCON, which will leave them without several key players.

Despite these challenges, Brighton is known for upsetting larger clubs in similar situations and is expected to test United’s determination on Sunday.