Player Ratings: Brajan Gruda shines as Man United are embarrased by Brighton

Man United knocked out by Brighton as familiar flaws resurface

Manchester United’s season continues to unravel, this time under the unforgiving spotlight of the FA Cup. A 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford ended any lingering hope of domestic silverware and reinforced the sense that this is a side stuck in a holding pattern. Darren Fletcher’s second match in interim charge delivered effort and moments of intent, but once again the basics let Man United down.

Advertisement

Brighton were not spectacular, but they were organised, purposeful and ruthless when opportunities arose. United started brightly, pressing high and moving the ball with reasonable tempo, yet their confidence evaporated the moment Brighton asked serious questions. By the final whistle, frustration outweighed optimism, despite a late rally and some encouraging individual cameos.

Sloppy defending proves costly again

Brighton struck first after 12 minutes and it was painfully familiar viewing for Man United supporters. Poor positioning down the right, a failure to track runners centrally and a simple finish from Brajan Gruda summed up a defence that never looked settled. The warning signs were there well before the goal, with Brighton repeatedly finding space in wide areas.

The second goal followed a similar script after the break. Gruda again escaped attention and this time turned provider, teeing up Danny Welbeck for his customary goal against his former club. United’s back line reacted rather than anticipated, and at this level that delay is fatal. For all the possession United enjoyed, Brighton always looked the calmer and more coherent unit.

Photo: IMAGO

Advertisement

Late response and red card drama

United did push late on and finally found a breakthrough when Benjamin Sesko headed in a Bruno Fernandes corner. The goal injected belief into Old Trafford, but the momentum was short lived. Shea Lacey, who had provided genuine attacking thrust off the bench, was dismissed late on for a second yellow card, a moment of frustration that ended any realistic hope of forcing extra time.

The closing stages summed up United’s afternoon. Energy and endeavour were present, clarity and composure were not. Brighton managed the game professionally, while United were left to reflect on another missed opportunity and another competition gone.

Player Ratings

Manchester United

Advertisement

Senne Lammens 5

Diogo Dalot 4

Leny Yoro 5

Lisandro Martinez 6

Patrick Dorgu 5

Manuel Ugarte 4

Kobbie Mainoo 6

Bruno Fernandes 6

Mason Mount 5

Matheus Cunha 5

Benjamin Sesko 6

Manager

Darren Fletcher 5

Brighton

Jason Steele 7

Joel Veltman 7

Diego Coppola 7

Olivier Boscagli 6

Fedri Kadioglu 7

Jack Hinshelwood 7

Pascal Grob 7

Brajan Gruda 9

Georginio Rutter 7

Diego Gomez 6

Danny Welbeck 8

Manager

Fabian Hurzeler 7