Manchester United’s defenders struggled as they were dumped out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher made three changes to his side as Kobbie Mainoo was handed just his second start of the season. United started well and should have taken an early lead when Diogo Dalot fired the ball straight at Jason Steele, while Bruno Fernandes also forced a save from a smart free-kick routine.
They were made to pay for those missed chances when Brajan Gruda fired the visitors in front after Lisandro Martinez had cleared an initial effort from Georgino Rutter off the line. Brighton should have doubled their lead when Danny Welbeck squandered a glorious chance after a dreadful pass from Senne Lammens had gifted him possession. Welbeck sent another effort into the side-netting and Fernandes drilled another free-kick just wide of the goal as Brighton held onto their lead at half-time.
United struggled to create chances after the restart and found themselves further behind when Danny Welbeck drilled a fierce effort into the top corner. Shea Lacey impressed from the bench yet again but it was Benjamin Sesko who gave his side a lifeline when he headed in from a corner to set-up a dramatic finale.
Lacey was sent off for two bookings in three minutes as United failed to stage a classic cup comeback. Here is how we rated the United players at Old Trafford.
Manchester United player ratings as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton
1. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looks dejected after Danny Welbeck (not pictured) of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United player ratings as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton | Getty Images
He should have been punished for a poor pass to Welbeck but redeemed himself with the stop. Not much he could do about the goals.
2. Senne Lammens - 5
He should have been punished for a poor pass to Welbeck but redeemed himself with the stop. Not much he could do about the goals. | Getty Images
One of many at fault for the first Brighton goal. He looked lost when the visitors doubled their lead after the break.
3. Leny Yoro - 4.5
One of many at fault for the first Brighton goal. He looked lost when the visitors doubled their lead after the break. | AFP via Getty Images
Cleared an effort off the line before United conceded. Saw a fierce effort blocked and got forward well. The best of a bad backline.
4. Lisandro Martinez - 5
Cleared an effort off the line before United conceded. Saw a fierce effort blocked and got forward well. The best of a bad backline. | AFP via Getty Images