In the FA Cup Round of 32, Manchester United suffered a surprise home defeat to Premier League regulars Brighton and were forced to exit the competition early. The match took place at Old Trafford on 11 January.
The game was highly entertaining and played at a fast pace. Brighton took control from the start and Gruda opened the scoring in the 12th minute. After that, Manchester United tried to take charge but wasted several chances. In the 64th minute, Welbeck scored the visitors’ second. In the 85th minute, Šeško pulled one back, but Brighton held on to win 2–1.
Lammens started in goal for the Manchester side. The back line featured Dorgu, Dalot, Yoro and Martinez. Mainoo, Fernandes, Ugarte and Cunha formed the midfield. Mount and Šeško led the attack. Maguire and Zirkzee came on later, with Casemiro and Lacey also joining the game.
For Brighton, Steele guarded the goal. Gruda, Boskali, Veltman and Gomes operated steadily in defence. Gross, Kadioglu and Coppola were effective in the middle. In attack, Rutter and Welbeck actively supported the team’s forward play. Mitoma and Kostulas entered later.
Several bookings were shown during the match: Mainoo (69), Lacey (87), Kostulas (90+3) and Maguire (90+3). Lacey was also sent off in the 89th minute.
FA Cup. Round of 32
Manchester United — Brighton 1:2
11 January, Old Trafford
Goals: Šeško (85) — Gruda (12), Welbeck (64).
Manchester United — Lammens, Dorgu, Dalot, Yoro, Martinez (Maguire, 79), Mainoo (Zirkzee, 62), Fernandes, Ugarte (Casemiro, 79), Cunha, Mount (Lacey, 62), Šeško.
Brighton — Steele, Gruda (Watson, 90+2), Boskali, Veltman (Ayari, 77), Gomes (van Hecke, 77), Gross, Kadioglu, Coppola, Rutter (Kostulas, 83), Welbeck (Mitoma, 78), Hinshelwood.
Bookings: Mainoo (69), Lacey (87), Kostulas (90+3), Maguire (90+3).
Red card: Lacey (89).
If Manchester United fail to win the Premier League title, they could finish the season without a trophy. This result is a serious warning sign and highlights the need to reassess both tactics and mentality.
The defeat also came as a surprise to fans, but such things happen in football. Now the main focus should shift to Premier League matches, as there is still a season and a half left until the campaign ends.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
