Manchester United's turbulent week reached a new nadir as they were eliminated from the FA Cup at the third-round stage by Brighton & Hove Albion, losing 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday. The defeat, which is likely Darren Fletcher's final match as caretaker manager, was sealed by a goal from former United striker Danny Welbeck.
A Week of Misery Culminates in Cup Exit
The loss represents a significant new low for the club. For the first time in 44 years, Manchester United have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle. This follows a humiliating earlier exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town. The FA Cup defeat compounds a miserable period that began with the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday and a laboured midweek draw against a relegation-threatened side.
With hopes of a top-four finish also fading, the FA Cup was seen as a crucial remaining target for the season. Now, the club's focus is solely on Premier League performance, with an interim manager expected to be appointed imminently to pick up the pieces.
Brighton's Old Trafford Dominance Continues
Brighton secured a remarkable fourth consecutive victory at Old Trafford, a feat few away teams can claim. The Seagulls took control early when Brajan Gruda hammered home a first-half opener after Diogo Dalot had seen an early chance saved by goalkeeper Jason Steele.
The visitors doubled their lead with a moment of quality from Danny Welbeck. The former United academy graduate allowed a pass to run across his body before unleashing a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner for his fifth goal against his old club. He celebrated openly in front of the home supporters.
United's only response came from Benjamin Sesko, who headed in with five minutes remaining to set up a tense finale. However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished when teenage substitute Shea Lacey received a second yellow card for throwing the ball away, leaving the ten-man hosts unable to find an equaliser.
Fletcher's Audition and Fan Frustration
The match also served as a potential audition for Kobbie Mainoo, who was handed a rare start by caretaker boss Darren Fletcher. However, the young midfielder struggled to impose himself on the game and was substituted after an hour, failing to press his case for a permanent starting role.
Fletcher himself is not expected to remain in charge, with the club hierarchy close to appointing an interim manager until the season's end, potentially a former player like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick.
Frustration among the fanbase was palpable. Anti-Glazer chants were heard, alongside songs critical of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, suggesting that the initial goodwill towards the Ineos chief has evaporated following a series of unpopular decisions and continued poor results. The atmosphere signalled that Ratcliffe is now being viewed by many supporters as part of the problem, alongside the Glazer family.
