Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United supporters will be closely watching the fitness boards this weekend, with squad availability shaping up as one of the biggest talking points ahead of their FA Cup tie.
Recent fixtures have shown how rotations, returns and absences can drastically alter United’s momentum in all competitions.
Injuries have repeatedly tested the depth of the squad, forcing managers to tweak formations and rely on emerging talents to step up.
Meanwhile, African stars such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, further stretching options in key areas of the team.
With cup football demanding resilience, every fitness update matters in a season where consistency has been hard to find.
Manchester United will be aiming to book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup when they tackle Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, with caretaker boss Darren Fletcher again in charge following a 2‑2 Premier League draw with Burnley.
United’s injury woes continue, with centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined due to a persistent back problem that has kept him out of the last eight matches; his involvement remains doubtful ahead of the cup clash as the club manage his recovery carefully.
Elsewhere, United are missing a trio of Africa Cup of Nations absentees: Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui, and winger Amad Diallo, who is with the Ivory Coast squad.
All three will be unavailable for the tie as they continue their continental campaigns, compounding Fletcher’s selection dilemmas.
Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount returned from injury in the midweek draw and are expected to bolster Fletcher’s options, while Harry Maguire was an unused substitute and could be in contention after his recent comeback.
Brighton arrive on the back of a 1‑1 draw with Manchester City and carry their own list of absentees.
Striker Stefanos Tzimas remains out long‑term with a cruciate ligament injury, while Solly March, Mats Wieffer and Adam Webster are all sidelined with knee problems.
The Seagulls have been further weakened by Carlos Baleba’s AFCON involvement, meaning they too will field a side without several key performers.
Despite the absences, Brighton are not strangers to upsetting big clubs at this stage and will test United’s resolve on Sunday.
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