Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton at Old Trafford and the Red Devils had two players given 4/10 ratings but there was a positive amid the gloom
18:40, 11 Jan 2026Updated 18:48, 11 Jan 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Joshua Zirkzee, Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United look dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
Manchester United have been knocked out of the FA Cup, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford in Darren Fletcher's second match at the helm.
United began the game on a positive note, but it was Brighton who broke the deadlock after 12 minutes. The hosts were guilty of sloppy defending, leaving themselves vulnerable on the right and failing to mark in the centre, allowing Brajan Gruda to find the back of the net.
In the second half, Gruda turned from scorer to provider, setting up Danny Welbeck to score his usual goal against his old club. Once again, United's defence left much to be desired.
A soccer match is in progress, with players from two teams competing for the ball near the goal. The players are wearing their respective team uniforms, with some individuals attempting to head the ball while others are in defensive positions. The scene is set against a backdrop of an enthusiastic crowd, indicating a high-stakes game.
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Benjamin Sesko headed in a late consolation(Image: )
United managed to pull one back late in the game, with Benjamin Sesko heading in a corner from Bruno Fernandes, but it was too little, too late to push the game into extra time. Shea Lacey was sent off towards the end for a second bookable offence.
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates the Manchester United flops.
Senne Lammens: Had a shaky moment with the ball at his feet in the first half, fortunate not to be punished. Managed to recover well. 5.
Diogo Dalot: An early miss set the tone for his performance. Struggled defensively and made poor decisions in the final third. Brighton exploited United's right flank. 4.
Leny Yoro: Caught out for both goals and his form is becoming a serious worry. Often seems unaware of the danger around him. 5.
Lisandro Martinez: Took the corner kicks and came close with a couple of shots in the opposition area, but had difficulty dealing with the movement of Brighton's attackers. 6.
Patrick Dorgu: Shifted to a new position and deserves some understanding for that, but was weak defensively. Lost track of Gruda for both goals. 5.
Manuel Ugarte: His passing remains a significant issue and United need more from their No. 6. His time appears to be running out. 4.
Kobbie Mainoo: Hasn't had much game time this season and seemed out of sync at times. Booked for a somewhat lazy challenge against Welbeck but tried to make things happen. 6.
Bruno Fernandes: Attempted to influence the match but fell short of his best. Delivered the corner for the goal and consistently tries to lead by example. 6.
Mason Mount: Struggled in his role on the right. Failed to make an impact offensively and was a defensive liability when Ferdi Kadıoglu pushed forward. 5.
Matheus Cunha: His recent good form appears to have already fizzled out. Had opportunities to step up recently but hasn't seized them and was disappointing today. 5.
Benjamin Sesko: Once again got involved and had his fair share of opportunities. Needs to improve his timing but deserves praise for his work ethic and keeping defenders busy. Took his headed goal well. 6.
Substitutes:
Shea Lacey: Provided some direct wing play that boosted United and set up a chance for Sesko. A moment of frustration led to a second yellow card, but the 18-year-old deserves sympathy and was clearly frustrated. 6.
Joshua Zirkzee: Failed to make a significant impact as a substitute and another match that seemed to pass him by. 5.
Harry Maguire: Caused problems in the opposition's box. 6.
Casemiro: Had little time to make a difference. 6.
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Unused substitutes: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher.