Manchester United dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton

Manchester United bowed out of the FA Cup as they lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

The host started the game on a strong foot and almost got the early lead inside three minutes after Benjamin Sesko dispossessed Brajan Gruda at the edge of the box, who found Diogo Dalot, but the Portuguese belted his effort over the bar.

Minutes later, Bruno Fernandes almost opened the scoring from a free-kick, but Jason Steele was there to parry the ball around the post.

In the 12th minute, Gruda broke the deadlock after Danny Welbeck picked out Georginio Rutter, whose header was saved by Senne Lammens, and Gruda was there to slam home the rebound.

A minute later, the Seagulls almost doubled their lead after Lammens’ intended pass to Kobbie Mainoo was intercepted by Welbeck, but the United goalkeeper redeemed himself with a fine save.

Five minutes before the break, Fernandes dragged his shot wide of the near post from a free kick.

Matheus Cunha had his sights on goal after he worked his way into the area, but his effort drifted wide.

The Red Devils resumed the break with intensity but couldn’t crack the Seagulls’ organised defence.

However, the visitors would get a second with 25 minutes left on the clock after Gruda found Welbeck, who finished past Lammens into the top left corner.

In the 74th minute, Patrick Dorgu almost halved the deficit, but his acrobatic effort was saved by Steele.

Moments later, Sesko saw his half volley calmly saved by the Brighton goalkeeper.

In the 85th minute, Sesko pulled one back for United after he met Fernandes’ inswinger cross from a corner.

On the stroke of full-time, Shea Lacey was sent off for a second bookable offence, much to the frustration of the home side.