In a major setback for the storied club, Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The loss, which was met with loud jeers from the home supporters, comes at the end of a tumultuous week that saw the Premier League giants sack their head coach, Ruben Amorim.
A Managerless United Stumble Again
The match proved to be a painful experience for the Manchester United faithful. Playing without a permanent manager, the team looked disjointed and ultimately fell to a well-drilled Brighton side. The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when former United striker Danny Welbeck scored against his old club. A late header from Benjamin Sesko served as mere consolation for the Red Devils.
This early exit from the FA Cup marks a new low in a disappointing season. United had already been humbled in the English League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town. With this result, the club has now been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions at the earliest possible stage, leaving the Premier League as their only remaining chance for silverware this term.
Premier League Hopes Fade for United
Winning the league, however, appears to be a monumental task. The 20-time champions currently languish in seventh place in the standings, a staggering 17 points behind leaders Arsenal with only 17 games left to play. This defeat has almost certainly consigned the club to another season without a trophy, deepening the crisis at Old Trafford.
Arsenal March On with Martinelli Masterclass
In stark contrast to United's misery, league leaders Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable passage into the next round. The Gunners advanced earlier on Sunday with a convincing 4-1 victory away at Portsmouth. The star of the show was Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, who scored his first-ever hat-trick for the club.
After going a goal down inside three minutes to Colby Bishop's strike, Arsenal responded swiftly. An own-goal from Andre Dozzell levelled the scores before Martinelli took over. He scored with a flicked header in the 25th minute, slid in for his second just after half-time, and completed his treble with another header in the 72nd minute. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team's resilience after the early setback.
The victory keeps Arsenal on course for a potential quadruple, as they remain in contention for the Premier League, Champions League, and English League Cup alongside the FA Cup, which they last won in 2020 under Arteta.
Other FA Cup Third Round Highlights
The day's action saw several other notable results:
- Leeds United came from behind to beat Derby County 3-1.
- Third-tier Mansfield Town pulled off a major upset, defeating Championship side Sheffield United 4-3.
- Norwich City routed Walsall 5-1, with Jovon Makama scoring a hat-trick. Post-match, Norwich coach Philippe Clement revealed that U.S. international Josh Sargent refused to play.
- West Ham United needed extra time to overcome Queens Park Rangers 2-1, ending a 10-match winless run.
- West Bromwich Albion and Hull City both progressed via penalty shootouts after drawing their matches.
The FA Cup third round has delivered its customary drama and surprises, but for Manchester United, the story is one of deepening gloom and a future that looks increasingly uncertain.
