MANCHESTER UNITED 1-2 BRIGHTON: Former Red Devil Danny Welbeck struck against his old club again as United crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle under interim boss Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher and Manchester United endured an afternoon to forget in the FA Cup on Sunday(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto)
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There were no shocks at Old Trafford, where Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup. And the fact this defeat came as no surprise, is a damning reflection of how low this once great club has now sunk.
For the first time since World War II, United's chances of winning silverware are over in the second week of January. Unless they go on and win the title. But there's more chance of hell freezing over than this happening.
And heaven help whoever agrees to take interim charge ahead of next weekend's Manchester derby. Because call me stupid, but whoever manages United isn't the problem. It's the players who are nowhere near good enough.
Goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck were enough to send Brighton into the fourth round, despite a late strike from Benjamin Sesko. It was Brighton's first ever win over United in the competition, but their fourth from the last five trips to Old Trafford.
And if this proves to be Darren Fletcher's second and final game as caretaker boss, it will leave a long and bitter taste in the mouth of the former midfield great. Because some people will remember him as the bloke who managed United when they crashed out of the third round for just the third time in the last 41 ties.
Fletcher had made three changes, the most significant one being the return of Kobbie Mainoo for just his second start of the season. Brighton boss Fabien Hurzeler, meanwhile, made six changes, including naming former United striker Welbeck as skipper.
Diogo Dalot should have put United ahead inside two minutes following a superb pass from Matheus Cunha, but with just Jason Steele to beat, he failed to. Steele then had to charge from his goal to clear his lines just ahead of Sesko. And moments later Steele produced another fine save to keep out a low drive from Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton
Bruno Fernandes and Co were beaten 2-1 by Brighton at Old Trafford(Image: Peter Powell/AFP)
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United had made a bright start, but it counted for zilch when Brighton took the lead on 12 minutes. Welbeck's cross found Georginio Rutter, and when his header was blocked on the line by Lisandro Martinez, Gruda was on hand to smash the loose ball into the back of the net.
A howler from Senne Lammens gifted Welbeck the chance to make it 2-0, but couldn't punish his former club. Time would tell if Welbeck's miss would prove costly.
Joel Veltman lashed a shot wide, while Welbeck struck one into the side netting. United were having their heads pecked by a bunch of Seagulls, and home supporters were getting restless long before half time.
All the hosts could muster were two efforts just off target from Fernandes and Cunha. Where was the inspiration coming from?
Fletcher came out for the second half clapping his hands and urging supporters to get behind his side. But his players gave them nothing to cheer whatsoever.
Fletcher's most famous manager gambled to win games. And Fletcher threw on Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey.
But within moments Welbeck had escaped Lenny Yoro to lash an unstoppable effort into the top corner - leaving United dead and buried. And just to put a tin lid on things, teenager Lacey was sent off for two bookings, to see United finish with 10 men.
No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson looked on with a grimace on his face.
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