Manchester United's hopes of salvaging a trophy from a chaotic season were extinguished at Old Trafford on Sunday, as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a historic 2-1 victory to progress to the FA Cup fourth round.
A Historic Hoodoo Ends for Brighton
The result marks a significant milestone, as Brighton finally defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup at the seventh attempt. The Seagulls had been eliminated by the Red Devils in all six of their previous meetings in the competition. The victory was sealed with first-half strikes from Brajan Gruda and the ever-present Danny Welbeck, who once again haunted his former club.
The match, played on Sunday 11 January 2026, was overseen by interim manager Darren Fletcher. It was set to be his final game in temporary charge after a whirlwind week that began with the sacking of Ruben Amorim following 14 months in the role. United's early pressure, including saves from Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele to deny Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, ultimately counted for nothing.
Welbeck Haunts United as Red Devils Falter
Brighton took the lead in the 12th minute. A headed effort from Georginio Rutter was cleared off the line by Lisandro Martinez, but Brajan Gruda reacted fastest to lash the ball home. The visitors then doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through a familiar foe. Danny Welbeck, receiving a pass from Gruda, took a touch and slammed a superb shot into the top corner for his eighth career goal against his boyhood club.
United's response was largely muted until a late rally. Summer signing Benjamin Sesko provided a glimmer of hope with an 85th-minute header from a Fernandes corner. However, the comeback effort was hampered when teenage substitute Shea Lacey was sent off for receiving two quick yellow cards, the second for dissent.
Consequences of a Premature Exit
The defeat has profound implications for Manchester United's season. The club has now been eliminated at the first hurdle of both domestic cup competitions for the first time since the 1981-82 season. This premature exit from the FA Cup means United will play only 40 competitive matches this campaign, which is their fewest in 111 years.
With the club's realistic hopes of a trophy ending just 11 days into the new year, the focus for the next interim manager—whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick—will be solely on Premier League matters. However, with a 17-point gap to leaders Arsenal, even that challenge appears monumental. For Brighton, the victory at the Theatre of Dreams represents a famous cup triumph and a breaking of a long-standing curse.
