In a significant blow to their faltering campaign, Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup on Sunday, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. The loss at Old Trafford, greeted with loud jeers from the home supporters, comes at the end of a tumultuous week that saw the club part ways with head coach Ruben Amorim.
A Season Unraveling at Old Trafford
The result almost certainly condemns the storied Premier League club to another season without silverware. This marks the earliest possible exit from both domestic cup competitions this term, following a humiliating loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the English League Cup. The defeat means United will play the bare minimum of 40 competitive games for a top-flight team this season.
Interim coach Darren Fletcher, who has taken charge since Amorim's departure, acknowledged the team is "not in a good moment." He urged the players not to waste the season, with Champions League qualification still a target. United currently sits seventh in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal with 17 games remaining.
The club's hierarchy is now scrambling to appoint an interim manager to salvage the campaign. Former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been approached, with Fletcher also in contention.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Brighton took control early, with Brajan Gruda firing them ahead in the 12th minute. The lead was doubled after halftime by former United striker Danny Welbeck in the 64th minute, which proved to be the decisive goal. A late consolation came from Benjamin Sesko, who headed home in the 85th minute for his third goal in two games.
United's hopes of a comeback were further dented when substitute Shea Lacey was sent off just four minutes after Sesko's goal, leaving the hosts unable to force an equalizer to push the third-round tie into extra time.
Contrasting Fortunes for Other Premier League Giants
While United's crisis deepens, their rivals Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable passage into the next round. Gabriel Martinelli scored a memorable hat-trick as the Premier League leaders came from a goal down to beat second-tier Portsmouth 4-1 away from home.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team's response after conceding an early goal. The victory keeps Arsenal alive in their pursuit of four trophies this season: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and English League Cup.
In other FA Cup action, Leeds United recovered to beat Derby County 3-1, while third-tier Mansfield Town pulled off a major upset by defeating Championship side Sheffield United 4-3. Norwich City routed Walsall 5-1, though head coach Philippe Clement later revealed that U.S. international Josh Sargent refused to play in the game.
West Ham United needed extra time to overcome Queens Park Rangers 2-1, and West Bromwich Albion as well as Hull City progressed via penalty shootouts after draws in their respective matches.
The defeat to Brighton underscores the monumental task facing whoever takes the United job on an interim basis. As Fletcher stated, "It's about everyone and the players have to group together, take responsibility, find a way of improving quickly." For the 20-time English champions, the immediate future looks increasingly bleak.
