Manchester United’s FA Cup run is over before it ever began after suffering defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko was on the scoresheet again, but goals from Brajan Gruda and former Red Devils striker Danny Welbeck gave Brighton a 2-1 win over Manchester United.
Darren Fletcher stood in as interim head coach once again, but he was unable to inspire a second-half comeback like the one seen against Burnley last week.
Who was Man Utd’s man of the match in the 2-1 loss to Brighton?
We are trying to keep positive, who impressed you most?
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Just like they did in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, United have been knocked out of the FA Cup in their first match in the competition. It means that the Red Devils will only play Premier League football from now until the end of the campaign.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesKobbie Mainoo takes his chance
For the first time since the defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, Kobbie Mainoo started a game for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim was heavily criticised for overlooking Mainoo this season, but Darren Fletcher put his full faith in the Carrington graduate.
Mainoo showed his class, especially in tight spaces where he showed an ability to wriggle free and pick a pass forward.
Man Utd’s confirmed XI vs Brighton has been named, what is your reaction?
Who are you excited to see play?
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Rumours of a January exit have gone quiet since the sacking, and it seems Mainoo is on his way back into the United first-team plans.
Why Luke Shaw was missing
Fletcher’s line-up to face Brighton did not include Luke Shaw, even on the bench.
Remarkably, Shaw has started every Premier League game for United this season, but everyone at the club is also aware of Shaw’s injury record.
It has been widely reported that the decision to leave out Shaw was purely rotational to give the 30-year-old a rest. With Manchester City and Arsenal up next, it may turn out to be a brilliant decision.
The Diogo Dalot problem
The positions picked up by Diogo Dalot from right-back are sensational. Unfortunately, his end product is not.
Dalot found himself through on goal in the first few minutes of the game, and he continued time and time again to find space behind Brighton’s high line.
Frustratingly, though, he was unable to make any of his chances count.
Darren Fletcher’s interim record
It is well-known that Ineos plan to appoint an interim head coach until the end of the season, and currently it seems unlikely that it will be Fletcher.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been heavily linked, while Michael Carrick is another candidate. Whoever is picked, it seems their first game could be against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the derby next week.
If Fletcher is replaced, he will leave without having won a game as caretaker boss.
Shea Lacey sees red
Carrington star Shea Lacey was the name on everyone’s lips last week when he impressed against Burnley in a short cameo.
What is your opinion on Shea Lacey being sent off vs Brighton?
Harsh refereeing or a silly mistake from the youngster?
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
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The 18-year-old winger was brought on for a 30-minute stint against Brighton, and immediately, he became an attacking threat for the hosts.
However, Lacey picked up two yellow cards in quick succession. One for a late challenge and the second for throwing the ball away.
He will be suspended for the next match against Manchester City.
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