United aiming to continue perfect Cup record as new boss seeks to change the script

Manchester United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup tomorrow. The Red Devils have played the Seagulls just 36 times in their history. United have come out on top on 22 occasions. They have lost nine of these matches and drawn five. Here are four storylines to look out for ahead of the match. Perfect FA Cup record United have faced Brighton six times previously in the FA Cup. The Red Devils have been victorious in every game, with the latest match being a semi-final victory on penalties in the 2022-2023 season. Their first ever match was an FA Cup tie in 1909, where United won 1-0. They also famously played each other in the 1983 cup final, where United won a replay 4-0 to take the trophy back to Manchester. Brighton have also been knocked out of the cup six times by United, more than by any other side. Man United vs Brighton record Matches playedMan United winsDrawsBrighton wins 362259 Source: 11v11.com Fantastic third round record Like all Premier League teams, United enter the FA Cup in the third round, and they have been very impressive over the years at this stage. The BBC reports that, “Manchester United have been knocked out in the FA Cup third round in just two of their last 40 ties at this stage, losing 1-0 to Leeds United in 2009-10 and 2-1 to Swansea City in 2013-14.” They beat Arsenal on penalties at the Emirates last season at this stage in a wonderful effort. Nonetheless, Brighton “have progressed from 14 of their last 16 FA Cup third round ties”, so are no slouches either at this stage. Matheus Cunha loves the cup Manchester United’s summer signing has blown hot and cold since his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer. The Brazilian did score a good goal last weekend against Leeds United but was not so influential in the 2-2 draw with Burnley midweek. Cunha “has scored in each of his last four FA Cup appearances, all for Wolves between January 2024 and March 2025.” Were he to score in the match tomorrow, he would join an elite group of players. The BBC states that, “only four Premier League players have scored in five in a row since 1992-93 – Marc Overmars (1998-1999), Darren Bent (2012-2014), Wayne Rooney (2011-2013) and Romelu Lukaku (2014-2016 & 2017-2018).” Darren Fletcher could stay on Whilst the news has largely reported that either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick are favourites to land the interim role until the end of the season, there have been rumours that Fletcher has impressed key decision makers at Ineos. In very little preparation time, his side attacked with vigour against Burnley and were unlucky not to take the three points. He was also brave, bringing on Shea Lacey who almost scored a sensational winner late on. It has been rumoured that Fletcher has an outside chance of staying on and a win over Brighton in the cup would only strengthen his hand. Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.