Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Shea Lacey’s late red card rubbed salt into the wounds at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher is set to end his interim stint as Manchester United head coach without picking up a win after losing 2-1 to Brighton.
United were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, and defeat to Grimsby Town under Ruben Amorim earlier in the season means the only thing left to play for is the Premier League.
Darren Fletcher just picked up his first booking for Manchester United since 2015
Good on him for showing a bit of fight!
Darren Fletcher is shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper after the FA Cup third-round match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Benjamin Sesko scored again to make it three goals in his last two games, and his header had United fans dreaming of another comeback at Old Trafford.
However, those dreams were stamped out when referee Simon Hooper chose to send off academy graduate Shea Lacey.
Shea Lacey reacts after being sent off for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg gives view on Shea Lacey red card
Fletcher lashed out at referees and was booked for his complaints after the full-time whistle. He slammed Lacey’s first yellow card as “ridiculous”.
United in Focus have spoken exclusively to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg about the second yellow card picked up by Lacey.
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“Shea Lacey was sent off against Brighton, not for the tackle, but for his reaction at throwing the ball to the ground in disagreement at Simon Hooper’s decision,” Clattenburg said.
What is your opinion on Shea Lacey being sent off vs Brighton?
Harsh refereeing or a silly mistake from the youngster?
Shea Lacey is shown a red card
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“To the letter of the law, it’s the correct decision. But it shows how the game has changed.
“I would prefer the referee to warn the player to calm down and manage the situation.”
Shea Lacey now faces suspension for Man United
Lacey was visibly distraught as he left the pitch at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old cried as he headed back to the dressing room.
Fletcher rallied behind Lacey and reassured the youngster that he will have a chance to make amends at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Man Utd ratings vs Brighton, Diogo Dalot nightmare but 3/10 teammate has no place in the XI anymore
But that won’t come in next week’s Manchester derby. United host Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and Lacey will have to sit out of the squad to serve his suspension.
However, United are set to be strengthened by the return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from AFCON after Cameroon and Ivory Coast were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
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