Managerless Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage as former striker Danny Welbeck inspired Brighton to a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, sending the 13-time winners tumbling out of both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82.
Goals from Brajan Gruda in the 12th minute and Welbeck just after the hour put Fabian Hurzeler's side in command, and although Benjamin Sesko pulled one back five minutes from time with a header from Bruno Fernandes' corner, United could not find an equaliser before 18-year-old substitute Shea Lacey was sent off in the final minute for a second bookable offence.
Brighton seize control through Gruda
United began brightly, with Jason Steele forced into early saves from Diogo Dalot and Fernandes inside the opening exchanges. The visitors weathered that flurry and quickly took charge. Brighton swept the ball left to Ferdi Kadioglu, who relayed it to Welbeck, and the captain stood the ball up for Georginio Rutter, whose effort from the resulting move was hacked off the line by Patrick Dorgu.