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Manchester United’s turbulent season took another painful turn on Sunday as Brighton & Hove Albion knocked the Red Devils out of the FA Cup, with former striker Danny Welbeck once again proving their undoing at Old Trafford.
The defeat ended United’s hopes of domestic silverware and capped a chaotic week that began with the sacking of manager Rúben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. Interim boss Darren Fletcher, overseeing what is expected to be his final match in temporary charge, could not prevent a disappointing 2–1 third-round exit.
Brighton End FA Cup Hoodoo
Brighton had been eliminated by United in all six of their previous FA Cup meetings, but they finally broke that streak thanks to goals from Brajan Gruda and Welbeck — the latter scoring his eighth career goal against his boyhood club.
Albion took an early lead in the 12th minute when Welbeck floated in a teasing cross that Georginio Rutter headed goalward. Lisandro Martínez cleared the effort off the line, but Gruda reacted quickest to fire home.
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens nearly compounded the error later in the half after a loose pass was intercepted by Welbeck, though he recovered to save the veteran’s effort.
United Fail to Respond
Despite a bright start that saw Brighton keeper Jason Steele deny early efforts from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, United failed to build momentum. The atmosphere inside Old Trafford grew flat as the hosts struggled to create clear chances, with a Fernandes free-kick and a Matheus Cunha effort offering little encouragement before the break.
Fletcher attempted to lift the crowd after halftime, but United’s second-half performance remained laboured. Changes were made, including the introductions of Joshua Zirkzee and teenage winger Shea Lacey, yet it was Brighton who struck again.
In the 65th minute, Welbeck was given too much space, taking a touch before smashing a superb shot into the top-left corner to double the visitors’ advantage.
Late Hope, No Rescue
United finally found a lifeline late on when Benjamin Šeško headed home from a Fernandes corner in the 85th minute, sparking brief hope of a comeback.
The Red Devils pushed forward, but Brighton held firm. Any remaining chance of a dramatic equaliser vanished when 18-year-old Lacey was sent off after receiving two quick yellow cards, the second for dissent.
A Historic Low for United
The loss marks the first time since 1981–82 that Manchester United have been eliminated at the first hurdle of both domestic cup competitions in the same season. It also means the club will play just 40 competitive matches this campaign — their fewest in 111 years.
With a 17-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal, and no cup competitions left to contest, United’s realistic hopes of silverware appear to have ended just 11 days into 2026.
Whoever takes over interim duties — with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick both mentioned — will now have only league matters to focus on as United attempt to salvage pride from a season spiralling away.
