Manchester United's preparations for their crucial FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion have been hit by a significant injury and absence crisis. Interim manager Darren Fletcher faces the prospect of being without up to five key players for the Sunday clash at Old Trafford.
Confirmed Absences and AFCON Returns
Bryan Mbeumo will definitely not be available for the fixture. The forward is only just returning to Manchester following Cameroon's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage against Morocco. Fletcher confirmed the turnaround was too tight, stating, "I don't think so, too close a turnaround from the tournament."
Similarly, defender Noussair Mazraoui remains absent as his Morocco side continues its AFCON campaign, having reached the semi-finals. His return date is currently unknown.
In more positive news, Amad is expected back with the squad imminently after his Ivory Coast team was eliminated from AFCON by Egypt. His potential return is pencilled in for the Premier League match against Manchester City on January 17.
Fitness Doubts and Long-Term Injuries
The availability of several players who recently returned from injury remains uncertain. Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire all featured against Burnley in midweek, but Fletcher is cautious about their workload.
Regarding Maguire, the interim boss said, "He's been out for a while so we will be looking at his load... A decision has not been made [on his minutes]." This suggests the defender may be managed carefully and could miss the Brighton game.
In a significant long-term blow, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a lower-back problem. He has been out since November and is not expected back until February or March 2026.
Fletcher's Squad Update and Cup Ambitions
Fletcher, overseeing his second match since replacing the dismissed Ruben Amorim, confirmed no new injuries have emerged. "We will have the same players available for the game against Burnley so no new additions," he stated.
Following a 2-2 draw with Burnley, United's focus now shifts to securing progression in the FA Cup. Navigating this fixture with a depleted squad presents a major early challenge for Fletcher as he looks to steady the ship at Old Trafford.
