Manchester United cannot afford to dwell on their derby disappointment as they prepare to host a Brighton side who have caused the Red Devils plenty of headaches in recent years. United’s uninspiring start to the season took a turn for the worse on Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 at home by a Manchester City side who had Phil Foden sent off in the 23rd minute.
Controversy surrounds Erling Haaland’s second-half winner but the fact remains that United have now picked up just four points from their opening four Premier League games and are down in 13th spot. Michael Carrick’s men have the chance to redeem themselves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but a visit from Brighton is probably not the opposition they would have chosen.
The Seagulls have won four of their last five trips to Old Trafford, including knocking a United side managed by interim boss Darren Fletcher out of the FA Cup third-round last season. Brighton are also heading to Manchester hot off a 5-0 win at Coventry at the weekend, leaving them fourth in the Premier League.
However, United dispatched Brighton 3-0 at the Amex in their final game of last season and we think a fired-up Red Devils side will come out on top this time too, with our initial Man Utd vs Brighton prediction being a home win @ 8/11.
Betting Odds
Man Utd vs Brighton Betting Odds – League Cup 2026-27
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Man Utd | 8/11 | 57.9% |
Brighton | 12/5 | 29.4% |
Draw | 3/1 | 25% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Man Utd are 8/11 favourites to beat Brighton , who are 12/5 for the win, with the draw at 3/1.
How to Watch
How to watch Manchester United vs Brighton
The Carabao Cup third-round match is scheduled to begin at 20:00 on Wednesday and will be shown live on ITV1 and Sky Sports Main Event.
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Form Guides
Manchester United form
United’s impressive end to last season, where they finished third after winning 12 of their final 17 games under Carrick , losing just twice, would have left fans with high hopes heading into the 2026-27 season. However, they have already doubled their number of defeats under Carrick after suffering a surprise 2-0 opening-day loss at Hull as well as Sunday’s derby setback.
They were also held 2-2 at Everton after twice conceding late equalisers and now find themselves already eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.
On the plus side, United have claimed two big home wins, beating Ipswich 5-2 and Champions League opponents Sabah 4-0, and supporters will be looking for another clinical attacking display against Brighton .
Carrick may be reluctant to make too many changes against Fabian Hurzeler’s dangerous side but Benjamin Sesko seems a likely option to start up front. The giant Slovenia forward has already scored twice this term despite limited game time while he also netted United’s consolation in January’s FA Cup exit to Brighton , and he is 21/20 to add another on Wednesday.
Brighton form
Brighton head north with form and history on their side. The Seagulls’ only defeat in six competitive fixtures this season was a wild 4-3 loss at Chelsea , while they have netted 17 goals in their last five outings including five at Coventry on Sunday.
However, it is their magnificent record at Old Trafford which should give them most cause for encouragement. Prior to the 2022-23 season, Brighton had picked up just one point from nine league visits to United . However, an historic 2-1 win in what was Erik ten Hag’s first game as United boss opened the floodgates and since then Brighton have recorded two 3-1 league victories and that FA Cup triumph at the Theatre of Dreams.
With goals usually on the agenda, we’re going for a United win with BTTS @ 2/1 , with a 2-1 scoreline our final prediction @ 15/2. Over 10.5 corners in total @ 8/5 could also be a good option. United and Brighton are in the top five teams for most Premier League corners taken this season, with 23 and 22 respectively.
Betting Tips
Man Utd vs Brighton Betting Tips – League Cup 2026-27
Benjamin Sesko to score at any time @ 21/20
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