2 Brighton (Jan 11, 2026) Game Analysis
ESPN••sports
Key Points:
- Manchester United, without a permanent manager, were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, marking their first early exit in 12 years.
- Brighton secured their first-ever FA Cup victory over United with goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck, who scored against his boyhood club for the eighth time.
- The loss means United will play only 40 competitive matches this season, their fewest in 111 years, and have now been knocked out at the first hurdle in both domestic cups for the first time since 1981-82.
- Interim manager Darren Fletcher oversaw the defeat in what is expected to be his final match in charge, leaving
