Manchester United’s disappointing season continued as they were eliminated from the FA Cup following a 2- 1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
The visitors made a strong start to the contest and took the lead in the 12th minute when Brajan Gruda found the back of the net. United struggled to gain control of the game and were punished again in the second half as former United forward Danny Welbeck doubled Brighton’s advantage in the 64th minute, dealing a decisive blow to his old club.
United managed a late response through Benjamin Sesko, who pulled one back for the hosts. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome, as Brighton saw out the match to secure qualification.
The defeat confirms that Manchester United have now been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions this season and will finish the campaign without a trophy. It also marks the first time since 2021 that the club will not appear in a final.
The match is Darren Fletcher’s final game as caretaker manager, bringing his interim spell to a close.