Manchester United will take on Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup, and the weather is certainly not going to be on their side.
Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon for their FA Cup third-round clash, with kickoff set for 4:30 PM. Supporters can expect a cold, breezy day with the threat of rain lingering across the northwest.
While earlier in the week brought snow and frost to the region, milder air from the southwest is beginning to move in. Even so, rain showers could still be in the mix around the time the match gets underway.
Manchester United vs. Brighton: Temperature, precipitation, and winds
Sunday’s forecast in Manchester points to a high of 5°C during the day, with temperatures dipping to around 1°C overnight.
It’ll feel even colder in the stands, thanks to a brisk southwesterly wind blowing at 20–25 mph and gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
The Met Office is predicting spells of rain and sleet through the morning and early afternoon. While conditions should start to clear closer to kickoff, the pitch and surrounding areas are likely to remain damp, and a few light showers could still pass through during the opening stages.
Winds are expected to ease later in the evening as the weather settles down.
Earlier in the week, Storm Goretti brought strong winds to the UK, but conditions have since improved. The risk of snow has faded with the arrival of milder maritime air, though some frost may still be present early in the day before temperatures rise slightly by kickoff.
Game Info Snapshot:
- Match: Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round
- Kickoff: 4:30 PM (16:30 UK time), Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Weather Expectation: Cold with occasional light rain (around 4–6°C), breezy southwesterly winds, and damp surfaces following the recent passage of Storm Goretti.
Conditions for supporters and match play
Fans heading to Old Trafford should dress for a cold and damp evening, with temperatures expected to hover just above freezing by the final whistle.
Gloves, hats, and waterproof layers are advised, especially for those in exposed sections of the stadium. Despite low cloud cover, visibility will remain good throughout the match.
Conditions should be fairly typical for January in Manchester — cool, damp, and breezy, but without any severe weather. The pitch is expected to hold up well, with only minor surface moisture affecting play.
Read More: Portsmouth vs. Arsenal weather report: Gunners face damp test away from home
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