Manchester United 1-2 Brighton: Report, result and goals as Welbeck returns to haunt Red Devils

Brighton progressed to the FA Cup fourth round after beating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, with former Red Devil Danny Welbeck scoring the all-important winner.

Manchester United began the tie with more purpose and tempo than their opponents, pressing high and committing numbers forward from the opening whistle.

Inside the first two minutes, Diogo Dalot was sent through on goal by Bruno Fernandes, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele reacted quickly, saving with his right leg.

Dalot had another opportunity moments later after a defensive error from the visitors, this time blazing over from the edge of the area.

Despite United’s early pressure, Brighton took the lead with their first attack in the 12th minute. Ferdi Kadioglu advanced down the left and fed Danny Welbeck inside the box.

Welbeck’s cross was met by Georginio Rutter, whose close-range header was blocked on the line, but Brajan Gruda reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range.

The goal settled Brighton, who became more compact without retreating too deeply. United continued to dominate possession, with Kobbie Mainoo particularly influential between the lines.

Fernandes tested Steele twice from range, while Lisandro Martinez made two late runs into the box, both denied by the Brighton goalkeeper.

Brighton remained dangerous on transitions. Welbeck twice went close from tight angles, while Joel Veltman fired wide after a second-ball situation from a set piece.

By half-time, United had generated more chances, but Brighton led 1-0 after absorbing pressure and making their opening count.

Drama in the second half

United resumed with urgency after the break. Fernandes clipped a free-kick into the area early in the second half, and Cunha forced Brighton’s defence into a series of blocks. Sesko went close with a header that flashed wide, while Steele continued to hold firm under sustained pressure.

Brighton doubled their lead in the 64th minute with a well-worked move. Veltman’s forward pass was controlled by Gruda, who turned and slipped Welbeck through.

The former United striker took one touch to set himself and struck powerfully into the top corner, leaving Lammens with no chance.

United responded immediately, increasing their attacking risk. Darren Fletcher introduced Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey, shifting United into a more aggressive shape.

Chances followed in quick succession. Sesko was denied by Steele from close range, while Lacey curled an effort just over after a sharp exchange with Fernandes and Casemiro.

The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute. Fernandes delivered a deep corner to the far post, where Sesko rose above his marker to head down into the corner, giving United hope with five minutes remaining.

That hope was dented almost immediately. Shea Lacey, already booked for a late challenge, was shown a second yellow card in the 89th minute after throwing the ball away in frustration following a lost duel. Reduced to ten men, United struggled to maintain their attacking pressure.

Brighton managed the closing stages with more than enough composure. Steele claimed crosses confidently, including a late Maguire header in stoppage time that might have forced extra time.

Tempers flared briefly near the touchline, resulting in bookings for Harry Maguire and Charalampos Kostoulas, but Brighton remained organised and squeezed through.