MANCHESTER-(MaraviPost)-Manchester United’s FA Cup journey came to an abrupt end on Sunday night after a shock 2–1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The third round clash was played in front of a tense crowd with United supporters hoping the FA Cup could offer relief from an inconsistent season.

Instead, they were left stunned as Brighton produced a composed and fearless performance on enemy territory.

Brighton showed their intent early in the match, pressing high and refusing to be overawed by the occasion. Their confidence paid off in the 12th minute when Brajan Gruda exploited defensive uncertainty to fire the visitors into a deserved lead.

United attempted to respond by increasing the tempo with Bruno Fernandes and other senior players trying to drag the team back into the contest.

However, Brighton’s defensive organization limited clear chances, frustrating the home side.

As the first half wore on, United dominated possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third.

Brighton, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counterattack, keeping United’s backline under constant pressure.

The second half followed a similar pattern with United pushing forward and Brighton waiting patiently for openings. That patience was rewarded just after the hour mark in dramatic fashion.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck delivered the decisive blow in the 64th minute, scoring Brighton’s second goal with a powerful finish.

The strike silenced Old Trafford and underlined Brighton’s growing belief.

Welbeck’s celebration was met with mixed reactions joy from Brighton fans and painful recognition from United supporters, who watched a familiar face deliver another setback to their club.

Facing elimination, United threw everything forward in search of a lifeline. Their efforts were finally rewarded late in the game when Benjamin Šeško pulled one back in the 85th minute, reigniting hope of a comeback.

For a brief moment, the stadium came alive as United pressed for an equaliser. Brighton, however, held their nerve and defended resolutely under intense pressure.

United’s hopes were dealt a further blow in stoppage time when young winger Shea Lacey was sent off for dissent after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the hosts with ten men at a crucial moment.

The final whistle confirmed a famous 2–1 victory for Brighton, sending them through to the next round and condemning Manchester United to an early FA Cup exit.