Brighton & Hove Albion advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Former United striker Danny Welbeck scored the decisive goal, while Brajan Gruda opened the scoring for the visitors. Benjamin Sesko's late header provided a glimmer of hope for the hosts, but a red card to Shea Lacey sealed their exit.
Manchester United hosted Brighton in the FA Cup third round on January 11, 2026, at Old Trafford, with kick-off at 16:30 GMT. Interim manager Darren Fletcher, in charge following Ruben Amorim's sacking, made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Burnley midweek, bringing in Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, made six alterations, with Danny Welbeck captaining the side.
United started brightly, with Diogo Dalot twice going close in the opening minutes, denied by goalkeeper Jason Steele. However, Brighton struck first in the 12th minute. Ferdi Kadioglu advanced down the left and fed Welbeck, whose cross was headed against the line by Georginio Rutter, allowing Brajan Gruda to tap in the rebound.
The first half saw United dominate possession, with Bruno Fernandes testing Steele from range and Lisandro Martinez denied twice. Brighton threatened on counters, with Welbeck missing from tight angles.
After the break, United pressed urgently. Fernandes' free-kick led to blocks, and Benjamin Sesko headed wide. Brighton doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Joel Veltman's pass found Gruda, who released Welbeck to fire into the top corner.
Fletcher introduced Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey to heighten the attack. Sesko was denied again, and Lacey curled over. The breakthrough came in the 85th minute from Fernandes' corner, as Sesko headed in to make it 2-1.
Hope faded quickly when Lacey received a second yellow in the 89th minute for throwing the ball away. Brighton managed the game composure, with Steele saving a late Harry Maguire header. Tempers flared late, earning bookings for Maguire and Brighton's Charalampos Kostoulas.
This marks United's earliest FA Cup exit since 2013/14 and their shortest season since 1914/15, with only Premier League games remaining. Fletcher emphasized pushing for Champions League qualification: "That can be achieved this season... The players have to step up." Brighton, unbeaten in three, progress after 14 of their last 16 third-round ties.
