Manchester United Suffer Early FA Cup Exit as Brighton Defeat Deepens 2025–26 Crisis

Manchester United’s turbulent 2025–26 season reached another painful low on Sunday night as the club crashed out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The third-round exit came at the end of a chaotic week in which the storied Premier League club dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim, leaving the team without a permanent manager and supporters deeply frustrated.

The loss was greeted with loud boos from sections of the Old Trafford crowd, underlining the growing disconnect between the fans and the team. For a club that has lifted the FA Cup a record 13 times and prides itself on a rich winning tradition, the early elimination has almost certainly condemned United to another season without silverware.

Interim head coach Darren Fletcher did not attempt to hide the seriousness of the situation. While admitting that the club is going through a difficult period, the former United midfielder insisted it was too early to abandon hope entirely, pointing instead to Champions League qualification as the primary remaining objective.

“It’s probably not what Manchester United fans want to hear,” Fletcher said after the match. “This club has been built on winning trophies and competing for the Premier League. But right now, the challenge is very clear — don’t waste the season.”

Brighton wasted little time in asserting themselves, with Brajan Gruda opening the scoring in the 12th minute after exploiting United’s defensive frailties. The visitors continued to look composed and confident, and former United striker Danny Welbeck came back to haunt his old club by doubling Brighton’s lead in the 64th minute with a clinical finish.

United responded late, with Benjamin Šeško scoring in the 85th minute to give the home side renewed hope. However, any chance of forcing extra time disappeared when teenage substitute Shea Lacey was sent off just four minutes later after receiving a second yellow card. Despite late pressure, United were unable to find an equaliser.

This FA Cup defeat follows another humiliating cup exit earlier in the season, when United were knocked out of the English League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town. As a result, the club has been eliminated from both domestic knockout competitions at the earliest possible stage — something that has not happened since the early 1980s.

The latest setback means United will play just 40 competitive matches this season, the minimum possible for a top-flight English club. It is a stark contrast to last season’s 60-game schedule and marks the fewest matches United have played in a full campaign since 1914–15.

With the FA Cup and Carabao Cup gone, the Premier League remains United’s only remaining competition. However, their hopes of lifting the title appear unrealistic. Currently sitting seventh in the standings, United trail league leaders Arsenal by 17 points with only 17 matches left to play. Any title challenge would require a dramatic and unprecedented turnaround.

A trophyless finish would mark the second consecutive season without silverware for the club — an outcome that would further deepen concerns about the direction United have taken since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

In an attempt to salvage the season, United’s hierarchy is now focused on appointing an interim manager capable of guiding the team into the Champions League places. The club has reportedly held discussions with former players Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick about taking charge until the summer. Darren Fletcher himself remains a candidate, along with former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Fletcher, who has overseen a 2-2 draw against Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, acknowledged the size of the task facing whoever takes over the role.

“Any time you come into Manchester United, it’s a massive job,” he said. “This isn’t about one manager or the directors. It’s about everyone at the club. The players have to group together, take responsibility, and find ways to improve quickly.”

Reflecting on his short spell in charge, Fletcher expressed personal disappointment at not being able to deliver a victory.

“I gave it my best,” he said. “Ultimately, I’m disappointed not to win a game or even get a result today. I care deeply about this club and want to see it succeed.”

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Arsenal progressed comfortably with a 4-1 win over Portsmouth, inspired by a hat trick from Gabriel Martinelli — the first of his Arsenal career. Leeds United recovered from an early setback to defeat Derby County, while third-tier Mansfield pulled off a remarkable upset by beating Sheffield United 4-3. Norwich City cruised past Walsall 5-1, although the club later confirmed the tragic death of a supporter following the match.

For Manchester United, however, the spotlight remains firmly on their own struggles. With difficult Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal looming, pressure continues to mount on a squad short on confidence and clarity.

As Fletcher stressed, the remainder of the season will be defined by how the players respond.

“True character shows itself in difficult moments,” he said. “There’s still something to fight for. But everyone has to step up — quickly.”