Manchester United vs Brighton: Seagulls Stun Old Trafford in FA Cup Third Round

Manchester United vs Brighton delivered a dramatic FA Cup upset as Brighton defeated United 2–1 at Old Trafford. A disciplined away performance knocked the hosts out of the third round, raising fresh questions about United’s season and Brighton’s growing confidence.

Dateline: Manchester, England – January 2026
Competition: 2025–26 English FA Cup, Third Round

What Happened in Manchester United vs Brighton

The Manchester United vs Brighton FA Cup tie ended in shock on Friday night as Brighton & Hove Albion eliminated Manchester United with a composed 2–1 victory at Old Trafford.

Brighton struck early and stayed organised throughout, punishing United’s defensive lapses and lack of cutting edge. The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute through Brajan Gruda, who finished calmly from close range after United failed to clear their lines.

Manchester United dominated possession but struggled to convert pressure into goals. Brighton doubled their advantage in the 64th minute when former United striker Danny Welbeck capitalised on a swift move and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, silencing the home crowd.

United responded late. Benjamin Šeško pulled one back in the 85th minute with a powerful header from a Bruno Fernandes corner, briefly igniting hope. But Brighton held firm through stoppage time, even after United went down to ten men following Shea Lacey’s second yellow card.

The final whistle confirmed one of the biggest shocks of the FA Cup third round.

Manchester United vs Brighton: Tactical and Match Analysis

From the opening exchanges, Manchester United vs Brighton unfolded as a contrast in control versus chaos.

United dominated possession but struggled to break Brighton’s disciplined mid-block. Brighton targeted transitional moments, especially down the flanks, where Gruda and Welbeck found space behind United’s full-backs.

United’s midfield rotated heavily, with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte attempting to control tempo. However, Brighton disrupted passing lanes effectively, forcing United into wide areas and low-percentage crosses.

Brighton’s first goal came from sustained pressure inside the box, while the second exposed United’s vulnerability during defensive transitions. Welbeck’s movement between centre-backs repeatedly unsettled the back line.

Šeško’s late goal came from a set-piece rather than open play, underlining United’s struggles to create clear chances. The red card to Lacey sealed United’s fate, removing width and urgency in the closing minutes.

Key Moments That Defined Manchester United vs Brighton

• 12’ – Brajan Gruda opens the scoring for Brighton
• 64’ – Danny Welbeck doubles the lead against his former club
• 85’ – Benjamin Šeško scores from a Fernandes corner
• 89’ – Shea Lacey sent off after second yellow card
• FT – Brighton hold on for a historic FA Cup win

Why This Manchester United vs Brighton Result Matters

The Manchester United vs Brighton result matters far beyond a single cup tie.

For Manchester United, the FA Cup represented a realistic route to silverware this season. Exiting at the third-round stage places further pressure on the squad and management, especially after another uneven domestic campaign. Old Trafford has witnessed several frustrating performances this season, but this defeat stung deeply due to its knockout nature.

Brighton, meanwhile, continue to build a reputation as a fearless cup side. Winning away at Old Trafford underlined their tactical discipline and growing maturity. The Seagulls showed no fear, controlled key moments, and executed their game plan with confidence.

The result also highlighted Brighton’s smart recruitment. Players like Gruda and disciplined midfielders outworked United’s more expensive squad, reinforcing the gap between spending power and team cohesion.

What Happens Next After Manchester United vs Brighton

After the Manchester United vs Brighton clash, the two clubs face very different immediate futures.

Brighton advance to the FA Cup fourth round, where they will await the next draw with momentum firmly on their side. With Premier League survival already looking stable, the FA Cup now offers Brighton a genuine opportunity to push deeper into the competition.

Manchester United must regroup quickly. Their FA Cup exit shifts focus entirely to league form and European qualification hopes. The loss also increases scrutiny on squad depth, discipline, and decision-making in key moments.

United’s coaching staff face tough questions about game management, especially after conceding early and struggling to break down Brighton’s organised defence. Upcoming fixtures now carry greater importance as pressure builds from fans and pundits alike.

Conclusion

The Manchester United vs Brighton FA Cup meeting delivered a reminder of why the competition remains football’s greatest leveller.

Brighton arrived at Old Trafford with belief, executed their plan with precision, and deservedly progressed. Manchester United showed flashes of urgency late on but left themselves too much to do after another sluggish start.

As the FA Cup moves into its next phase, Brighton march on with confidence, while United are left to reflect on another missed opportunity. On a cold night in Manchester, the Seagulls proved that reputation alone does not win football matches.