Manchester United 1-2 Brighton: Former Red Devil Danny Welbeck faces his old club again as United crash out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle under interim manager Darren Fletcher.
Darren Fletcher and Manchester United had an unforgettable afternoon in the FA Cup on Sunday (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto)
There was no shock at Old Trafford as Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup. And the fact that this defeat came as no surprise is a frightening reflection of how far this once-great club has now fallen.
United’s chances of winning silver for the first time since World War II ended in the second week of January. Unless they keep winning and win the title. But it’s more likely that hell will freeze over than for this to happen.
And God help whoever agrees to be interim manager ahead of next weekend’s Manchester derby. Call me an idiot, but it doesn’t matter who runs United. The players are never good enough.
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Despite a late goal from Benjamin Sesco, goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck were enough to advance Brighton into the fourth round. It was Brighton’s first win against United in this competition, but their fourth in their last five trips to Old Trafford.
And if this is Darren Fletcher’s second and final game as caretaker manager, it will leave a long bitter taste in the former midfield great’s mouth. Because some will remember him as the man who managed United when they suffered their third third-round exit in their last 41 games.
Fletcher made three changes, the most important of which was the return of Koby Mainu for his second start of the season. Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has made six changes, including naming former United striker Welbeck as captain.
Diogo Dalot should have put United ahead within two minutes after receiving a brilliant pass from Matheus Cunha, but Jason Steel was the only one to break through. Steele then had to rush from goal to clear the line just in front of Sesco. Moments later, Steele made another fine save to deny Bruno Fernandes’ low drive.
Bruno Fernandes and his team lost 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford (Image: Peter Powell/AFP)
United made a bright start but were put on hold when Brighton took the lead in the 12th minute. Welbeck’s cross was met by Georginio Rutter, whose header was blocked by Lisandro Martínez on the line, but Roorda smashed the ball into the back of the goal.
Senne Lamence’s roar gave Welbeck a chance to make it 2-0, but they were unable to punish their former club. Time will tell whether Welbeck’s mistake turns out to be costly.
Joel Veltman sent a shot wide of the target and Welbeck sent it into the side netting. United were being pecked on the head by a flock of seagulls and the home supporters were becoming restless long before half-time.
The hosts could only muster two goals, from Fernandes and Cunha. Where did the inspiration come from?
Fletcher came on in the second half and clapped his hands to encourage supporters to take his side. However, the players did not give them any support.
Fletcher’s most famous manager gambled to win a game. Fletcher then threw to Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey.
However, soon Welbeck eluded Lenny Yolo and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner, leaving United dead and buried. And to turn things around, teenager Lacey was sent off with two cautions to see United finish with 10 men.
No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson watched with a frown on his face.
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