Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage for the first time since 2014, as Brighton & Hove Albion claimed an impressive 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. This result marked their fourth win in the last five visits to Old Trafford.

Brighton struck early, taking the lead in the 12th minute when Gruda reacted quickest to bundle the ball into the net after a clearance off the line. The winning goal came from a familiar face. Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck unleashed a powerful finish to silence the home crowd and put Brighton firmly in control of the tie.

United mounted a late push and were given hope when Benjamin Šeško pulled one back in the closing moments. However, the comeback never truly gathered momentum. To compound their frustration, young winger Shea Lacey was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, ending any realistic chance of forcing extra time.

The final whistle confirmed a damaging night for Manchester United. The 2-1 loss represents their first defeat since the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

2025-26, England - FA Cup

Manchester United - Brighton 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Gruda, 12 (0:1); Welbeck, 64 (0:2); Sesko, 85 (1:2)

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot; Martínez Li. (Maguire, 79); Dorgu; Yoro; Mount (Lacey, 62); Fernandes B.; Ugarte (Casimiro, 79); Mainoo (Zirkzee, 62); Cunha; Sesko
Substitution: Lacey (from 62 till 89); Zirkzee (from 62); Maguire (from 79); Casimiro (from 79)
Bench: Bayındır; Malacia; Heaven; Fletcher
Yellow Cards: Mainoo 60; Lacey 87, 89; Maguire 90
Red cards: Lacey 89'

Brighton: Steele; Boscagli; Veltman (Ayari, 77); Coppola; Hinshelwood; Gomez D. (van Hecke, 77); Groß; Gruda (Watson, 90); Kadioglu; Rutter (Kostoulas, 83); Welbeck (Mitoma, 78)
Substitution: van Hecke (from 77); Ayari (from 77); Mitoma (from 78); Kostoulas (from 83); Watson (from 90)
Bench: Verbruggen; Dunk; Tasker; Howell
Yellow Cards: Kostoulas 90