Man Utd vs Brighton line-ups confirmed as Michael Carrick rings the changes

Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup third round at Old Trafford tonight, with Michael Carrick making eight changes from the side that lost to Manchester City. Karl Darlow starts in goal, while Shea Lacey and Benjamin Sesko are recalled.

  • Fixture: Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Competition: EFL Cup third round
  • Venue: Old Trafford
  • Kick-off: Tonight (16 September 2026)
  • Man Utd changes: Eight from the weekend defeat to Manchester City
  • At stake: A place in the fourth round

Confirmed line-ups

Manchester United

Starting XI: Darlow; Dalot, Heaven, Yoro, Mazraoui; Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Mount; Lacey, Sesko, Rashford

Substitutes: Lammens, Amass, Maguire, Fernandes, Mainoo, T Fletcher, Cunha, Mbeumo, Zirkzee

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Steele; Struijk, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Costinha; Gross, Andres, Hadjam; Yalcouye, O'Riley, Kostoulas

Substitutes: Verbruggen, Dunk, Rutter, Promise, Osman, Kadioglu, Gomez, Ayari, De Cuyper

Selection notes

Carrick has made eight changes from the United side that started against Manchester City. Karl Darlow replaces Senne Lammens in goal, while Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui come into the back four for Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu. Diogo Dalot keeps his place at right-back.

Youri Tielemans retains his midfield spot, with Andrey Santos recalled to start. Kobbie Mainoo makes way, while captain Bruno Fernandes is rested and Mason Mount comes in. Shea Lacey gets another chance to impress, Benjamin Sesko returns up front, and Marcus Rashford keeps his place. Mathues Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo drop to the bench.

Brighton also rotate heavily. Luke Steele starts in goal, Luka Vuskovic lines up in defence, Jaouen Hadjam gets a run-out in midfield and Charalampos Kostoulas leads the line up front.

Why Carrick has gambled on youth and rotation

With United coming off a controversial 1-0 defeat to Manchester City — Erling Haaland's goal was wrongly allowed to stand by the VAR team — Carrick needed a response. But he has also taken the opportunity to rest key men. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are on the bench, and the back four has been completely reshuffled apart from Dalot.

The inclusion of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro alongside Noussair Mazraoui suggests Carrick wants pace and recovery speed against a Brighton side that will look to counter. Andrey Santos coming in for Mainoo gives United a more physical presence in midfield, while Mason Mount offers energy between the lines. Shea Lacey and Benjamin Sesko add directness in the final third, with Marcus Rashford the senior figure in attack.

Brighton's changes are similarly extensive. Luke Steele deputises in goal, and Luka Vuskovic steps into defence. Jaouen Hadjam gets a chance in midfield, and Charalampos Kostoulas leads the line. The Seagulls have quality on the bench with Dunk, Rutter and Kadioglu available if needed.

Talking points

  • Carrick has made eight changes — does that show respect for the EFL Cup or is he prioritising the league after the derby defeat?
  • Bruno Fernandes rested: is Mason Mount's recall a chance for him to stake a regular claim in the starting XI?
  • Shea Lacey starts again — is this the breakthrough season for the youngster, or is he being overexposed?
  • Brighton's rotated side still includes experience in Gross and O'Riley — can they control the midfield at Old Trafford?

What happens next

The winners will book their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. United will be desperate to avoid another disappointing result in front of their own fans, while Brighton will see this as a genuine opportunity to progress. The draw for the next round will take place after the tie.

Frequently asked questions

Is Karl Darlow starting for Man Utd vs Brighton?

Yes, Karl Darlow starts in goal for Manchester United, replacing Senne Lammens who is on the bench.

Who is captaining Man Utd against Brighton?

Bruno Fernandes is rested and on the substitutes' bench, so an alternative captain will lead the side at Old Trafford.

What time is Man Utd vs Brighton kick-off?

The match takes place tonight at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup third round. Kick-off time was not stated in the source article.

Filed under: Match Previews | LA Premier League Home