Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
If you mean the men’s FA Cup third-round match played on January 12, 2025, it was free to watch live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The match has already ended, however, so there is no current live stream to watch. In the United States, it was shown by ESPN and streamed on ESPN+, which was not automatically free.
Which Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup match is this?
Arsenal and Manchester United have met in several competitions, so the date matters. This guide covers their 2024–25 FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
As of August 18, 2026, there is no current Arsenal–Manchester United men’s FA Cup match being played live. The clubs did not meet in the completed 2025–26 competition: Southampton eliminated Arsenal, while Brighton beat Manchester United in the third round. The 2026–27 FA Cup third round is scheduled for January 9, 2027, but no Arsenal–Manchester United tie had been established.
For a future meeting, confirm the season, round and fixture before relying on any broadcaster information.
#1 Best Overall
- Inspired by the world's largest soccer matchup, the adidas FIFA World Cup 26 soccer ball pairs design with performance. A seamless TSBE surface enhances touch. The butyl bladder ensures consistent shape retention for every match or practice session.
- TSBE TECHNOLOGY: Seamless surface for better touch and lower water uptake
- KEEPS ITS SHAPE: Butyl bladder for best air retention
- REQUIRES INFLATION: Ships flat, pump not included
- FIFA QUALITY AND OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Officially licensed by FIFA, the ball passed FIFA tests on circumference, weight, rebound and water absorption
How the 2025 match was shown in the UK
- Live TV: BBC One
- Online stream: BBC iPlayer
- Other coverage: BBC Sport live text and radio coverage
BBC iPlayer was the legitimate free online video option for viewers in the UK. Normal BBC requirements applied, including an eligible BBC account and applicable TV-licence rules. BBC iPlayer is not a globally available free stream; access and rights are territory-specific.
BBC’s fixture announcement listed the match among its live FA Cup third-round games: BBC Sport’s announcement.
How the 2025 match was shown in the United States
- Broadcaster: ESPN
- Online service: ESPN+
U.S. viewers generally needed an eligible ESPN+ subscription or promotion to watch the live video. ESPN+ should not be described as a free public stream simply because some listings used the phrase “free live stream.” No guaranteed free trial should be assumed without checking the provider’s current offer and eligibility rules.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- A recreational soccer ball with a resilient butyl bladder for casual games
- SOFT AND DURABLE: Machine-stitched construction ensures a soft touch and high durability
- KEEPS ITS SHAPE: Butyl bladder for best air retention
- REQUIRES INFLATION: Ships flat, pump not included
Check the specific event listing rather than assuming that every ESPN television channel or package included the match. The match-specific listings are available from ESPN and CBS Sports. For the current ESPN+ service, use the official ESPN+ website.
What “free” means here
| Type of access | What it means |
|---|---|
| Free-to-air | No sports subscription is required, although broadcaster rules may apply. This described BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK for the 2025 match. |
| Free with an account | Registration may be required even when no subscription fee is charged. |
| Free trial | Available only when the provider is actively offering one and the viewer qualifies. |
| Free live updates | Text commentary, scores and statistics—not live match video. |
| Free highlights | Official clips available after the match, subject to rights and publication timing. |
Options outside the UK and United States
There is no single worldwide free stream for the FA Cup. Rights vary by country and can change between seasons. Check the FA’s official competition pages and territory-specific broadcast information, then verify the event with the local rights-holder.
The official FA Cup website is the best neutral starting point for fixtures, competition news, broadcast announcements and official highlights. It may not itself provide the live video stream.
Rank #3
- Regulation-size soccer ball
- Machine-stitched construction for high durability
- Butyl bladder for best air retention
- Size 5 ball (official size) suggested for ages 12 plus
- Requires inflation
Free alternatives after the match
Because the January 2025 fixture is over, viewers looking for legitimate free coverage can check:
- Official FA Cup highlights
- The BBC match-report and live-report archive
- BBC Sport or ESPN live updates and match reports
- Official radio or audio commentary archives, where available
These options are not equivalent to watching the full match live, and an official highlights package is not necessarily a complete replay.
If an official stream does not work
- Confirm that you are in the broadcaster’s supported country.
- Check whether the event has moved to another official channel or streaming page.
- Sign in before kickoff rather than waiting until the match begins.
- Update the official app and your browser.
- Check device compatibility and your internet connection.
- Try the broadcaster’s website if the mobile or smart-TV app fails.
- Use official live text or radio commentary as a fallback.
Do not rely on unofficial mirror sites, pirated links or account sharing. They may violate copyright or service terms and can expose viewers to malware, phishing and intrusive advertising. A VPN should not be treated as a guaranteed or authorized replacement for territory-specific rights; its use may conflict with a provider’s terms.
Spoiler: result of the 2025 FA Cup tie
Arsenal and Manchester United drew 1–1 after extra time. Manchester United won the penalty shootout 5–3. The FA’s official report and highlights are available here.
Quick Recap
How to check a future Arsenal–Manchester United FA Cup fixture
- Confirm the exact season and competition round on the FA Cup website.
- Check the official draw and fixture date.
- Look for the broadcaster’s announcement in your country.
- Distinguish free-to-air coverage from a paid streaming subscription, trial or free text commentary.
- Verify the event on the broadcaster’s own schedule shortly before kickoff.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
