Brighton’s Clinical Display Dumps Manchester United Out of FA Cup

Key Takeaways:

• Brighton secured a 2:1 away victory at Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup
• Fabian Hürzeler’s side rotated with six changes but netted goals from Bryan Gruda (12’) and Danny Welbeck (64’)
• Manchester United’s elimination effectively ended their trophy hopes this season after exits from all other competitions

Match Analysis

Manchester United’s aspirations for silverware this season were extinguished at Old Trafford as Brighton claimed a 2:1 win in the FA Cup third round. Despite fielding a heavily rotated line-up – manager Fabian Hürzeler made six changes – the visitors found success in both halves with goals from Bryan Gruda and Danny Welbeck. Benjamin Šeško managed a late consolation for the hosts, who struggled to inspire belief with another subdued performance. Darren Fletcher’s team, already out of European contention and eliminated early from the Carabao Cup, now face a barren season without trophies.

WHAT A WIN FOR THE ALBION! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/P24HXhbmqs

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 11, 2026

First Half Overview

Manchester United seized the early initiative, forcing Brighton’s second-choice goalkeeper Jason Steele into a key save after just three minutes following a well-placed Diogo Dalot effort. Dalot, determined to make an impact, unleashed another strike in the fourth minute, though this effort was off target. Benjamin Šeško nearly capitalised moments later, but Steele was quick to clear the threat, and the Brighton keeper denied Bruno Fernandes from a free kick in the seventh minute as well.

Brighton weathered the initial flurry and responded assertively. After swift interplay, they won a corner and moments later broke the deadlock. Danny Welbeck surged down the flank and delivered a low cross; Georginio Rutter’s initial attempt was cleared off the line by Lisandro Martínez, but Bryan Gruda reacted fastest, slotting home for a 0:1 lead in the 12th minute.

Second Half Developments

Hürzeler’s men pressed for a second immediately after the restart. A critical mistake by Sène Lammens nearly proved costly as his errant back-pass to Leny Yoro was pounced on by Welbeck, though the United goalkeeper recovered with a save, while Rutter blazed the rebound over. Manchester United’s Šeško sought to exploit Brighton’s backline, but his attempted chip over Steele lacked finesse.

As the half wore on, United’s possession produced little penetration, while Brighton’s counter-attacks continually threatened. Late in the first half, Bruno Fernandes and Mateusz Cunha sent dangerous efforts wide as the hosts’ frustration mounted.

The second half began with renewed energy from United, with two early deliveries into Brighton’s area failing to yield chances as the visitors’ defence remained alert. Fletcher introduced Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey around the hour to inject pace and creativity. Yet, in the 64th minute, Patrick Dorgu afforded Gruda too much space; Gruda found Welbeck, who dispatched a superb shot into the top right corner, doubling Brighton’s lead.

Final Phases and Key Statistics

United responded but found Steele in resolute form, denying Šeško after the restart. Šeško’s subsequent header, from a Lacey cross, failed to threaten. Despite erratic build-up play, the hosts found a breakthrough in the 85th minute when Šeško connected with a free kick to reduce the arrears to 1:2.

A final blow arrived for United as youngster Shea Lacey received two yellow cards inside three minutes, dismissed in the closing stages. The remaining action was limited, with Harry Maguire’s late header – easily dealt with by Brighton – signalling Manchester United’s exit as the visitors sealed progression to the next round.