Overview
- Brighton won 2-1 at Old Trafford with goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck, as Benjamin Sesko’s late header proved only a consolation and teenager Shea Lacey was sent off.
- United have been eliminated at the first stage of both domestic cups for the first time since 1981-82, leaving only the Premier League on their schedule and a markedly reduced fixture list.
- Interim coach Darren Fletcher said the squad is fragile and must dig deep to salvage the season, and he indicated he has not been told he will remain in charge.
- An announcement on a caretaker manager is expected early this week, with Solskjaer and Carrick the leading candidates after face-to-face talks overseen by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox.
- Boos and anti-ownership chants were heard at full-time, including a banner critical of the club’s leadership, underscoring growing fan unrest at Old Trafford.