Manchester United were brutally kicked out of the FA Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion, despite the Seagulls making six changes ahead of the game against Old Trafford. The hosts made a promising start to the game, although Diogo Dalot missed two big chances to open the scoring. A few minutes later, the Red Devils’ wastefulness was punished when Brajan Gruda slotted home to put Brighton ahead.
United almost conceded a second goal on a quick break when Senne Lamence played a straight pass to Danny Welbeck. Welbeck could not find the target against his former club and Georginio Rutter headed his goal wide of the goal line. Welbeck eventually scored in the second half, converting the top corner to double Brighton’s advantage. The hosts were given a final lifeline in the closing stages when Benjamin Sesco headed home and teenager Shay Lacey received a second booking for throwing the ball away in a moment of madness.
It was a nervy end to the game as Darren Fletcher’s side pushed hard for an equaliser, but it fell short and they suffered another defeat.
Express Sport rates and predicts United’s players following today’s heartbreaking defeat…
Manchester United vs Brighton player ratings
Senne Ramens – 5
Neither goal was of much value, but the other goal was a near-conceding goal from a hospital pass, but it was intercepted. Not convincing at all.
Diogo Dalot – 4
A poor first touch early on meant they missed a chance to score and they weren’t able to adequately protect Brighton’s lead. It wasn’t his best performance.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
He came forward many times and took part in the attack, creating several chances. Defensively, he was the best of a bad group.
Yoro Lenny – 4
He was one of the players responsible for both goals, but he didn’t move the ball particularly well and didn’t do much in possession. poor.
Patrick Dorg – 4
He couldn’t hide his glory when trying to prevent the opening goal, and looked clumsy both in and out of possession of the ball. Not enough.
Manuel Ugarte – 4
You could be forgiven for not even noticing he was on the pitch. We were getting passed by him in games and even when we had the ball, we often lost it.
Coby Mainu – 6
Since returning to the starting lineup, he has worked hard at both ends of the pitch and has been a rare bright spot on a poor day for the Red Devils.
Mason Mount – 4
Couldn’t get close enough to Danny Welbeck in the build-up to Brighton’s opener. Their defense wasn’t good and they weren’t able to make an impact on offense. Really poor.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
He almost scored with a curling shot from long distance, but was unable to influence the result. There were a few times when I got irritated with my teammates, and for good reason.
Matheus Cunha – 6
In the early exchanges, he produced a wonderful pass aimed at Dalot from a deep position. I tried hard to make a difference but couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
Benjamin Sesco – 5
They didn’t have much of an impact until their goal in the second half, and were flagged for offside multiple times due to poorly timed attacks. But his header worked.
substitute
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
United entered the game in the second half, chasing the lead, but were unable to spark an unexpected turnaround.
Shea Lacy – 5
He was introduced just after the hour mark and appeared to be active on the right wing, but was given a second caution for throwing the ball away. Brainlessness from young people.
Casemiro – 6
Although he played the last 12 minutes, he probably should have started the match instead of Ugarte.
Harry Maguire – 6
He came off the bench in the final stages of the game and played his part without causing a stir.
