Brighton knocked managerless Manchester United out of the FA Cup with a 2–1 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday. The defeat marks United’s earliest exit from both domestic cup competitions for the first time since the 1981–82 season.
Match Highlight
Brighton struck first in the 12th minute after a sharp move down the left. Ferdi Kadioglu surged forward and picked out former United striker Danny Welbeck in the box. Welbeck’s cross was headed goalwards by Georginio Rutter and cleared off the line, but Brajan Gruda reacted quickest to slot home the rebound from close range.
United struggled to respond as Brighton controlled long spells of the contest. The visitors doubled their lead in the 64th minute through Welbeck, who thundered a finish past the goalkeeper to seal the upset. It was his eighth career goal against Manchester United and his sixth against his former club at Old Trafford.
United finally found a way back five minutes from time. Bruno Fernandes delivered a deep corner to the far post, where Benjamin Sesko rose highest to guide a header into the corner and give the home side brief hope.
That momentum was quickly halted when Shea Lacey, already on a yellow card, was sent off in the 89th minute for throwing the ball away in frustration after losing a duel. Reduced to 10 men, United were unable to mount a sustained late push.
Historic Win For Brighton
Brighton saw out the closing stages to secure their first-ever FA Cup victory over Manchester United at the seventh attempt. The result sends Roberto De Zerbi’s side into the next round, while United’s troubled season suffers another damaging blow.
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