Manchester United 1 - Brighton 2

Another Manchester United collapse as Brighton dump Red Devils out of the FA Cup

United were knocked out of the FA Cup by an efficient Brighton side that landed one blow in each half to advance in the competition.

Scott Heppell

Xavi Heras David Nelson

Update: Jan 11th, 2026 13:41 EST

Once again. Manchester United keep setting unwanted records. On Sunday they suffered their third third-round exit from the FA Cup in 42 years, the stage at which Premier League teams enter the competition. For United, it was also the end of the line. Fletcher has been unable to revive the team following Amorim’s dismissal. Short on ideas, flair, or fight, the Red Devils fell to a Brighton side that did just enough to win at Old Trafford. Gruda struck in the first half and Welbeck added a second after the break to seal the tie.

New coach, same problems

Fletcher made his debut on the Old Trafford bench, even if it is likely to be the first of only a brief run of matches in charge of the Red Devils. Someone else will arrive to try to untangle the problems surrounding Manchester United. In this tentative fresh start, the hosts began by offering a hint of optimism to their supporters. In the second minute, Dalot was sent through by a superb Cunha pass in behind but lost the one-on-one with Steele. Four minutes later, the visiting goalkeeper stretched to keep out a Fernandes shot from the edge of the box after a United free kick.

And that was it. Two chances, no goals. Brighton opened the scoring with their first opportunity. A neat move from right to left ended with Welbeck receiving the ball in the box and floating in a cross that Rutter headed toward goal. Martínez cleared it off the line, but neither he nor Lammens could do anything when Gruda pounced on the rebound. It was 1–0, and the lights went out.

Shoddy soccer at Old Trafford

There followed half an hour of nothing. A void in the game. There was no tempo, just a stream of giveaways, recoveries, and more turnovers in midfield. United were nowhere to be seen, while Brighton were comfortable. The visitors were content for the afternoon to unfold that way. After the break, the pattern remained the same, except Brighton threatened to put the tie away at any moment. Fletcher turned to Lacey just after the hour mark. The crowd responded, hoping the academy’s latest gem might provide the spark the team needed.

Brighton kill off Man Utd

Two minutes later, Brighton poured cold water on that hope. No spark, no embers. Just reality. They took advantage of United’s passive pressing. Gruda received the ball with his back to goal but had time to turn and spot Welbeck’s run. The striker’s left-footed strike flew straight into the top corner, putting his side firmly on course for the next round.

More than 20 minutes remained, enough time for a final push. United piled up frustration rather than chances, but Sesko appeared at the far post to head home a Fernandes cross, cutting the deficit and restoring some drama as the match entered its closing stretch. United threw everything forward, except composure. Lacey, guilty of inexperience, was shown a second yellow card for an overt protest at the referee. Brighton kept their nerve, managed the little time that was left, and ended the night celebrating their qualification.

Another Manchester United collapse as Brighton dump Red Devils out of the FA Cup

New coach, same problems

Shoddy soccer at Old Trafford

Brighton kill off Man Utd

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