Danny Welbeck once again proved to be Manchester United’s tormentor as Brighton & Hove Albion knocked the Red Devils out of the FA Cup, becoming only the third team in 43 years to eliminate United at the third-round stage of the competition.
Returning to Old Trafford, the former United striker played a decisive role in Brighton’s victory, providing the assist for the opening goal before unleashing a thunderous second-half strike to seal a famous win for the Seagulls.
United’s hopes of a comeback were briefly reignited when Benjamin Šeško headed home in the 85th minute, but any momentum was swiftly extinguished. Teenage winger Shea Lacey was sent off just four minutes later for a moment of petulance, throwing the ball into the ground in frustration after being booked, leaving United with 10 men and no realistic chance of forcing an equaliser.
The defeat means United are eliminated from yet another cup competition at the first hurdle, leaving European qualification as their sole remaining objective this season. The result also dealt a significant blow to Darren Fletcher’s prospects of being appointed interim manager for the remainder of the campaign.
Brighton Capitalise After Fast United Start
Fletcher, in only his second match in charge following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier in 2026, made three changes from the midweek draw against Burnley. Kobbie Mainoo was handed his first start since August, while Leny Yoro and Mason Mount returned to the starting lineup. Brighton, meanwhile, made six changes from their 1–1 draw away at Manchester City.
Manchester United began brightly, carving out early chances, but profligacy proved costly. Diogo Dalot squandered a clear one-on-one opportunity and later fired another effort high over the bar.
Brighton punished those misses in the 11th minute. Welbeck, who has developed a habit of haunting his former club, delivered a dangerous cut-back into the box. Giorginio Rutter’s initial header was cleared off the line by Lisandro Martínez, but Brajan Gruda reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and give the visitors the lead.
United almost gifted Brighton a second moments later when goalkeeper Senne Lammens misplaced a pass straight to Welbeck, but the Belgian recovered just in time to block the striker’s shot.
Welbeck Delivers the Killer Blow
The former England international would not be denied, however. Early in the second half, Welbeck punished slack defending from Yoro and Patrick Dorgu, smashing a powerful finish into the roof of the net for his eighth career goal against Manchester United.
United pushed forward in search of a response and finally found a lifeline late on when Šeško rose highest to head home Bruno Fernandes’ corner in the 85th minute.
But any hopes of a dramatic finish evaporated almost immediately. Lacey, who had shown flashes of promise off the bench, was dismissed after picking up two quick bookings, the second for angrily throwing the ball to the ground. Reduced to 10 men, United failed to muster another meaningful chance.
Lacey’s Red Card Adds to United Frustration
Old Trafford was left stunned by another disjointed performance from a star-studded squad, with Lacey’s dismissal compounding a frustrating afternoon. The red card was the first of the teenager’s senior career and came in unfortunate circumstances during a brief but eventful cameo.
Lacey made his senior debut during Amorim’s short-lived tenure, coming on late in a 2–1 defeat at Aston Villa as United once again turned to their academy for inspiration. He was also given six minutes in Fletcher’s first match as interim boss — a 2–2 draw with Burnley — before his FA Cup appearance ended in disappointment.
For Brighton, the victory represents another milestone underlining their growing stature in English football. Eliminating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup is a rare achievement and further evidence of their ability to compete with the Premier League’s traditional powers.
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