sports
January 11, 2026
Danny Welbeck shines as Brighton dump Manchester United out of FA Cup
Manchester United’s hunt for trophies is over inside the second week of January after a ruthless Brighton took advantage of yet another loose defensive performance. This FA Cup third-round knockout means the 13-time winners have been dumped from the competition and the League Cup at the first opportunity for a first time since 1981-82.
TL;DR
- Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton in the third round.
- This is the first time since 1981-82 that United have exited both the FA Cup and League Cup at the first opportunity.
- The team is projected to play their lowest number of games in a season since 1914-15.
- Goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck secured Brighton's victory.
- Shea Lacey received a red card for dissent in added time.
- Darren Fletcher is expected to be replaced as interim manager within 72 hours, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick interviewed for the role.
- United are currently seventh in the Premier League, aiming for a Champions League qualification spot.
- Other FA Cup results included Norwich's win over Walsall, Mansfield's victory against Sheffield United, West Brom's penalty shootout win over Swansea, and Hull's penalty shootout win over Blackburn.
- Josh Sargent reportedly refused to play for Norwich due to transfer speculation, with manager Philippe Clement stating he will not be leaving.
- Chris Wilder, Sheffield United's boss, cited individual errors for his team's defeat.
- Benjamin Sesko scored a late consolation goal for Manchester United.
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