Sunday’s FA Cup clash at Old Trafford brought more disappointment than drama for Manchester United fans, as Brighton claimed a 2–1 victory to dump the Red Devils out at the first hurdle. From missed chances to a late red card, the game highlighted the challenges facing the team both on and off the pitch, and left supporters reflecting on what has already been a turbulent start to 2026. With cup hopes dashed and questions mounting over the managerial situation, there’s plenty to unpack from a frustrating afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Teams

Manchester United: Lammens, Dorgu, Martinez (Maguire 79′), Yoro, Dalot, Mainoo (Zirkzee 62′), Ugarte (Casemiro 79′), Cunha, Fernandes, Mount (Lacey 62′), Sesko

Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Fletcher, Fletcher

Brighton & Hove Albion: Steele, Kadioglu, Boscagli, Coppola, Veltman (van Hecke 77′), Gross, Hinshelwood, Rutter (Kostoulas 83′), Gomez (Ayari 77′), Gruda (Watson 90′), Welbeck (Mitoma 78′)

Subs: Verbruggen, Tasker, Dunk, Howell

Manchester United 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester United’s FA Cup ambitions suffered a blow at Old Trafford on Sunday 11 January 2026, as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2–1 victory to knock the Red Devils out in the Third Round. The game began with Manchester United pressing high and creating early chances, with Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes testing Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele. However, it was Brighton who struck first: after sustained pressure on the United defence, Brajan Gruda pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home in the 12th minute, giving the visitors an early lead that stunned the home crowd.

United dominated possession for much of the match, carving out opportunities but struggling to convert them against a disciplined Brighton backline. The visitors grew more confident as the game went on, and just after the hour mark, Danny Welbeck, a former United striker, unleashed a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner to double Brighton’s advantage. Despite the setback, Manchester United refused to give up and their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Benjamin Sesko rose highest to head home a Bruno Fernandes corner, setting up a tense final few minutes.

United’s hopes were ultimately dashed late in the game. Shea Lacey received a second yellow card for dissent in the 89th minute, leaving the hosts with ten men and allowing Brighton to see out the victory. The result marked Brighton’s first-ever FA Cup win over Manchester United and ended the Red Devils’ cup run for the season, leaving them to focus on turning around a challenging campaign in the Premier League.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton on Sunday marked a disappointing start to their domestic cup campaigns this season. Losing 2–1 at Old Trafford means the Red Devils are now out of both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup at the first hurdle, leaving fans to reflect on what has been a frustrating start to the year. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, United were unable to break down a resilient Brighton side, who punished them clinically and ensured that United’s hopes of silverware this season are hanging by a thread.

Off the pitch, questions over the managerial situation are starting to intensify. With United struggling to find consistent form under interim manager Danny Fletcher, it is widely expected that Michael Carrick will step in as the next caretaker. Fletcher’s short tenure has been a learning experience, but the club appear ready to bring in Carrick, who knows the dressing room well, to steady the ship and prepare the team for the challenges ahead in the Premier League.

The game also featured a moment that will stick in the memory for all the wrong reasons: teenage forward Shea Lacey received a second yellow card late on for a rash challenge and dissent, effectively ending United’s chances of a late comeback. While it was a harsh lesson for the young talent, it’s also one that could prove invaluable for his development. Mistakes like this are part of the learning curve, and Lacey will no doubt be eager to show maturity and composure in the games to come.