Welbeck Haunts Manchester United as Brighton Dump Holders Out of FA Cup
Manchester United suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit at Old Trafford as Danny Welbeck inspired Brighton and Hove Albion to a third round victory, condemning the holders to an extraordinary 111 year low in the process.
The former United forward returned to punish his boyhood club, scoring the decisive goal in a performance that underlined Brighton’s control on the night, while United’s hopes faded further when teenager Shea Lacey was sent off late on.
The defeat is expected to mark Darren Fletcher’s final match in temporary charge, with United failing to extend their strong recent record in the competition they lifted in 2023–24. Instead, Brighton delivered a composed and ruthless display to end United’s cup defence at the first hurdle.
This result also carries wider significance for United’s season. With exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup confirmed, the club can now play a maximum of 40 matches, their lowest total since the 1914–15 campaign. Last season, by contrast, they featured in 60 games across all competitions.
Old Trafford was tense from the outset, with Brighton clearly motivated to avenge their October league defeat at the same venue. Fabian Hurzeler’s side moved the ball sharply in the opening stages, pressing high and forcing United into early mistakes.
Brighton’s breakthrough arrived when Welbeck delivered an inviting cross that Georginio Rutter headed straight at Senne Lammens. Brajan Gruda reacted quickest, smashing home the rebound to put the visitors ahead and silence the home crowd.
United struggled to impose themselves as Brighton grew in confidence, circulating possession with purpose and repeatedly finding space between the lines. Just after the hour mark, Gruda turned provider again, slipping the ball to Welbeck, who rifled a fierce left footed strike beyond Lammens to double the lead.
The goal carried extra weight, given Welbeck’s history at the club, having made 142 appearances for United after emerging from their academy in 2008. His celebration was muted, but the damage was already done.
United briefly threatened a late comeback when Benjamin Sesko, fresh from scoring twice against Burnley in midweek, found the net with five minutes remaining. The goal injected belief into the stands, but it proved short lived.
Any remaining momentum evaporated when Lacey received a second yellow card for bouncing the ball away in frustration after conceding a foul on Ferdi Kadioglu. The 18 year old had earlier been booked for a late tackle, and his dismissal ended United’s resistance.
Brighton saw out the closing moments calmly, denying United clear chances and managing the tempo expertly as frustration grew among the home supporters.
Looking ahead, United are expected to appoint either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick as caretaker manager next week. Their immediate focus now turns to the Manchester derby, with City visiting Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17. Despite their cup exits, United remain seventh in the league, just three points off the Champions League places, but this latest setback has intensified scrutiny on a fragile squad searching for direction.