▪️Out of the Carabao cup
▪️Out of the FA Cup
▪️No Europe
▪️7th in the Premier LeagueAs it stands, the Premier League is the only competitive trophy Man United can win this season…😬 pic.twitter.com/FddD5Rge3X
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 11, 2026
Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round after a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday, with former striker Danny Welbeck playing a decisive role as the Seagulls recorded their first-ever FA Cup victory over the 13-time winners. Brighton took the lead in the 12th minute through Brajan Gruda, who pounced on a rebound after Georginio Rutter’s effort was cleared off the line, before Welbeck doubled the advantage in the 64th minute with a powerful strike into the roof of the net.
Benjamin Šeško headed in a late reply for United in the 85th minute to give the hosts hope, but teenage substitute Shea Lacey was sent off in the final minute after receiving a second yellow card, allowing Brighton to hold on and condemn a managerless United to their earliest exit from both domestic cup competitions for the first time since the 1981–82 season.