In front of their home crowd at Old Trafford, Manchester United failed to get past Brighton & Hove Albion in the opening round. With Gruda as man of the match and a long-time former player, the underdogs ultimately brought the harmless Red Devils to their knees.
Seventh in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, out of the League Cup in the second round, and not in Europe after a poor last season: the FA Cup was something of a last straw for Manchester United’s title hopes.
The importance of the game was also evident from the line-up: Interim coach Darren Fletcher decided against an XXL rotation and sent the first team led by captain Bruno Fernandes onto the field. On the other side was Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton, led by long-time United striker Danny Welbeck, with two Germans in the starting lineup, Groß and Gruda.
Poacher opens the scoring
The latter immediately made his mark on the game: Welbeck powered his way to the byline and then delivered a silky cross into the back of the defense. Martinez was able to clear Rutter’s header off the line, but Gruda followed up and slammed the ball into the net from a few yards out (12th minute). It was the 21-year-old former Mainz player’s second goal of the season.
The Seagulls then put the Red Devils under pressure with high pressing, which meant United could hardly get into the game. Instead, the lively Gruda repeatedly managed to create danger on the counterattack. The score was 1-0 at the break.
Welbeck strikes a blow to his former club
Even after the break, there was little action in the game. Bruno Fernandes tried a low free kick under the wall, but aimed just wide of the post. Instead, Brighton punished the hosts’ passive defense: Gruda received the ball about 25 meters in front of the goal, was allowed to turn unchallenged, and passed to Welbeck, who was starting his run. The veteran laid the ball off to his left and then finished irresistibly into the corner to make it 2-0. It was a special goal for the striker, who had made a total of 121 appearances for the Red Devils in his career.
No lucky punch with a man down
United were consequently chasing a two-goal deficit and were unable to create any serious danger. A set piece had to serve as the equalizer: Bruno Fernandes took a corner to the far post, where Sesko rose highest and scored with a header (85′).
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric once again, but the next setback followed promptly. Substitute Lacey reacted vehemently to a free kick being called against him and was shown a yellow-red card within 120 seconds (89′). Manchester had to continue their comeback with one man down—and were unable to land another lucky punch. Brighton thus knocked the mighty ManUnited out of the FA Cup in the third round. Interim coach Fletcher remained winless in his second game in charge.
And the next heavyweight is already waiting: On Saturday, United—possibly with a new coach by then—will host city rivals Manchester City at 1:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Hürzeler’s Brighton advances to the fourth round thanks to match winner Gruda (one goal, one assist) and is gaining confidence for the upcoming league match against Bournemouth on Monday, January 19, at 9 p.m.
