Manchester United's season has been plunged into further crisis after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford sent them crashing out of the FA Cup in the third round. The loss, masterminded by former Red Devil Danny Welbeck, definitively ends the club's hunt for silverware this season.
Welbeck Delivers the Knockout Blow
The Seagulls were ruthless in exploiting another fragile defensive display from the home side. The opening goal arrived after Danny Welbeck delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Georginio Rutter's initial effort was parried, but the rebound fell perfectly for Brajan Gruda to fire Brighton into a first-half lead.
The former Manchester United striker then compounded his old club's misery after the break, scoring Brighton's second goal to put the visitors firmly in control. The result means the 13-time FA Cup winners have been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup at their first hurdle for the first time since the 1981-82 season.
A Season Unravelling at Old Trafford
United managed a late consolation when Benjamin Sesko headed home in the 85th minute, but a dramatic equaliser never materialised. The defeat was sealed in dismal fashion during added time when substitute Shea Lacey received a second yellow card for dissent and was sent off by referee Simon Hooper.
The young player left the field in tears, a stark symbol of a 2025-26 campaign that is now in tatters. With this cup exit, United are now guaranteed to play a maximum of 40 games this season – their lowest total in a complete campaign since 1914-15.
Search for New Manager Amidst the Ruins
The defeat, following a midweek Premier League draw at Burnley, is expected to end Darren Fletcher's winless stint as interim manager. The club is poised to appoint a second interim boss, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick among those interviewed for the role.
Whoever takes charge now has only a Champions League qualification place to fight for, with United currently seventh in the table and three points off the top four. After this latest devastating setback, even securing any form of European football next season is now a serious question mark for the fallen giants.
