Overview
- Brajan Gruda opened the scoring and Danny Welbeck doubled the lead before Benjamin Sesko’s late header, with United teenager Shea Lacey sent off for two bookings.
- The loss means United have exited both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981/82 and now have only the Premier League to pursue.
- Darren Fletcher took charge as caretaker, and the club is expected to confirm an interim manager shortly, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick reported as leading options.
- Home supporters booed at full-time, displayed a banner critical of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chanted against the Glazer family during a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford.
- United are winless in four and sit seventh in the league with matches against Manchester City and Arsenal up next, while Brighton extended a strong recent record at Old Trafford.