Manchester United vs Brighton predictions: Carabao Cup tips & 10/1 Bet Builder

Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with both clubs seeking a response to very different derby-weekend emotions.

United were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City despite playing against 10 men for more than an hour. Brighton, meanwhile, arrive after a ruthless 5-0 victory at Coventry. This preview covers our correct-score prediction, predicted line-ups and a four-leg Ladbrokes Bet Builder.

Man Utd vs Brighton match details

• Fixture: Man United vs Brighton

• Competition: Carabao Cup third round

• Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Old Trafford

• UK TV: ITV1, ITVX, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+

Our prediction: Man Utd 2-3 Brighton

Man Utd vs Brighton predicted line-ups

Man Utd

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow / Mazraoui, Yoro, Heaven, Dorgu / Santos, Mount / Lacey, Fernandes, Rashford / Sesko

Brighton

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steele / Costinha, Vuskovic, Dunk, De Cuyper / Ayari, Chema / Gomez, Groß, Osman / Kostoulas

Man Utd vs Brighton Bet Builder

Check out Ladbrokes' Man United vs Brighton Bet Builder ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie, which is coming in at 10/1.

• Leg 1 - Brighton to qualify

• Leg 2 - Both teams to score

• Leg 3 - Benjamin Sesko 2+ shots

• Leg 4 - Bruno Fernandes 3+ shots

Brighton to qualify

Brighton have lost only once in their opening six competitive matches, scoring 17 goals across their last five. They also won 2-1 at Old Trafford in last season’s FA Cup, so Fabian Hurzeler’s side have recent evidence that they can handle this fixture. Their organisation and attacking depth make Brighton to qualify an appealing opening leg.

Both teams to score

Brighton have scored 17 times across their last five matches, but the 4-3 defeat at Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Leeds showed they can still be opened up. United have scored 11 goals across their last four games, including five against Ipswich and four against Sabah. Both teams carry enough threat to make goals at each end worth considering.

Benjamin Sesko 2+ shots

Benjamin Sesko has not started a Premier League match this season, but he scored when given the nod against Sabah in the Champions League. The striker has registered four shots across four league appearances, all from the bench, and should see more opportunities if he leads the line. A likely cup start gives Sesko a strong route to two or more attempts.

Bruno Fernandes 3+ shots

Bruno Fernandes has taken 16 shots in four Premier League matches this season, averaging exactly four per game. The Man Utd captain also scored against Sabah and remains central to his side’s attacking play. The expected openness of the contest should give Fernandes enough room to reach three attempts.

View the latest Carabao Cup odds here.

View the latest football odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.