Danny Welbeck haunted his former club Manchester United as Brighton won 2-1 at Old Trafford to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
Manchester United’s troubled season took another blow as Brighton knocked them out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford. A 2-1 defeat in the third round confirmed United’s exit from both domestic cups at the earliest stage. It is the first time that has happened since the 1981-82 season. The loss leaves United with only the Premier League to focus on for the rest of the campaign. Qualifying for European action next season still remains an achievable goal for United.
Brighton arrived confident after recent strong results against United. They looked composed from the opening exchanges and survived early pressure. Jason Steele made key saves from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes. Those moments proved crucial in shaping the contest.
Brighton took the lead in the 12th minute through Brajan Gruda. Danny Welbeck’s cross caused problems and Georginio Rutter’s effort was cleared off the line. Gruda reacted quickest to smash the rebound home. United dominated possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Senne Lammens nearly gifted Brighton a second moments later with a loose pass. Welbeck intercepted but the goalkeeper recovered well. United continued to press before the break, yet Brighton remained compact. The home crowd grew frustrated as chances went begging.
The turning point came just after the hour mark. Gruda collected the ball on the left and picked out Welbeck inside the box. The former United striker took one touch before rifling a powerful finish into the roof of the net. It was Welbeck’s eighth goal against United in all competitions.
That strike doubled Brighton’s advantage and stunned Old Trafford. United introduced attacking options in response, including teenage winger Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkee and Casemiro. The urgency increased but composure remained an issue. Brighton managed the game with maturity.
United finally found hope in the 85th minute. Benjamin Sesko rose highest to head home Bruno Fernandes’ corner. The goal lifted the atmosphere and sparked belief of a late comeback. Brighton were forced deeper as pressure mounted.
Any momentum was halted four minutes later. Lacey received a second yellow card after reacting angrily to a decision. Reduced to ten men, United struggled to create clear openings. Brighton saw out the closing stages to secure a historic victory.
United finished with 19 shots and an expected goals figure of 1.73. Brighton registered 13 attempts with an xG of 1.13. Despite the imbalance, Brighton were far more clinical. Welbeck also created chances and led the line intelligently throughout.
The defeat means United will play just 40 matches this season. That is their lowest total since 1914-15. Brighton, meanwhile, earned their first FA Cup win over United after six previous failures.
Gruda impressed with his energy and composure, scoring once and assisting Welbeck. Steele’s early saves laid the platform for Brighton’s success. Welbeck’s finish was the defining moment of the tie. For United, Fernandes remained influential but lacked support.
The result also capped Darren Fletcher’s short spell in interim charge. United have won only once in their last seven matches. Confidence appears fragile heading into a demanding league schedule.
Manchester United host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, 17 January. A trip to Arsenal follows soon after. Brighton turn their attention to Bournemouth at home on Monday, 19 January. They will also await the FA Cup fourth-round draw with renewed optimism for a deep run in the competition.
