Manchester United’s problems continued to mount after Brighton progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Goals from Brian Gruda (12) and Danny Welbeck (64) condemned United to defeat in what could prove to be interim boss Darren Fletcher’s last game before the rest of the season is called up, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick leading the way for the spot.
Defeat at Brighton saw United, given a late save by Benjamin Sesko (85) before Shea Lacey (89) was sent off for two quick bookings, dump both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at the competition’s first hurdle for the first time since 1981/82.
The full whistle was met with boos before a complete silence followed with the Man Utd fans leaving the players stunned by yet another poor performance. Defeat means United will play just 40 games this season, their lowest total since 2014/15 when they played 44 games.
Mateus Cunha reacts after the decision goes against him
Whoever takes over will have to deal with mounting problems at Old Trafford, where there has been a banner criticizing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s management of the club. There were also chants from United fans chanting: “We want the Glazers gone.”
United, who replaced Ruben Amorim last Monday after 14 months at the helmthey are now without a win in four matches in all competitions and with games to come against Man City at the weekend and a trip to Arsenal, things don’t get any easier.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s fantastic recent record continues against United. Fabian Hurzeler’s side beat United for the first time in the FA Cup. They now have seven wins in nine games against United and four wins in five away games at Old Trafford.
More to come.
When is the FA Cup fourth round draw?
Brighton will now have all eyes on the FA Cup fourth round draw when it takes place Monday.
The draw will be made at Anfield ahead of the final match of the third round between Liverpool and Barnsley.
It should start around 6:30 p.m.