Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup in humiliating fashion on Saturday, January 11, 2026, losing 2-1 to Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the third round.
The defeat marks another low point for the struggling Red Devils, who have now exited both domestic cup competitions early this season under interim management following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.
Brighton stunned the home side with goals from Joao Pedro (28′) and Kaoru Mitoma (62′). United’s consolation came from Rasmus Højlund (78′), but the performance was widely described as lacklustre and disjointed.
Interim boss Darren Fletcher, who is expected to lead the team until the end of the season, addressed the players and fans after the match with a defiant message.
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“We can’t let this define us,” Fletcher said in the tunnel post-match. “The lads have to keep fighting, not relent, and make the remaining season count. We have the Premier League, Europa League, and pride to play for. We can’t waste it all over nothing. This club deserves better, and the players know that.”
United now sit 7th in the Premier League with just 32 points from 21 games,They’ve won 8 games, drawn 8, and lost 5, with a goal difference of +4 in modern history.
The defeat has intensified calls for a permanent managerial appointment, with names like Zinedine Zidane, Thomas Tuchel, and Graham Potter still linked.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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