Man Utd 1 – 2 Brighton
Manchester United’s problems continued to build after Brighton eased into the FA Cup fourth round with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Goals from Brajan Gruda (12) and Danny Welbeck (64) condemned United to defeat in what could well prove to be interim boss Darren Fletcher’s final match before an appointment is made for the rest of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick the frontrunners for a post.
Defeat to Brighton sees United, who were given a late lifeline by Benjamin Sesko (85) before Shea Lacey was shown a red card (89) for two quick-fire bookings, knocked out both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle of the competitions for the first time since the 1981/82 season, leaving them with just the Premier League to focus on as they look to qualify for Europe.
The full-time whistle was greeted with boos before near silence ensued with the Man Utd supporters and players left stunned by yet another lacklustre performance. The loss means United will play just 40 games this season – their lowest since the 2014/15 campaign when they played 44 games.
Matheus Cunha reacts after a decision goes against him
Whoever takes over will have to deal with mounting problems at Old Trafford, where there was a banner criticising the running of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. There were also chants United fans are also chanting: ‘We Want the Glazers Out.’
United, who sacked Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge last Monday, are now without a win in four matches in all competitions and with games to come against Man City at the weekend and a trip to Arsenal, things don’t get any easier.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s fantastic recent record continues against United. Fabian Hurzeler’s side beat United for the first time in the FA Cup. They now have seven wins in nine games against United and four victories in five visits to Old Trafford.
More to follow.
When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw?
Brighton will now have all eyes on the FA Cup fourth-round draw when it takes place on Monday.
The draw will be made at Anfield ahead of the last match in the third round between Liverpool and Barnsley.
It is due to start at around 6.30pm.
