Man Utd must instantly drop 23-touch flop who was outclassed by Shea Lacey

Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

In the second game post-Ruben Amorim, it was a lacklustre showing from United, who will now only play a 40-game season in 2025/26.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead. Brajan Gruda opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the clash, finding himself in acres of space in the penalty area and punching on a loose ball. He made no mistake from yards out, lashing home to give the Seagulls the lead.

Despite getting 12 shots off in the first-half, United couldn’t find an equaliser. Then, just past the hour mark, things got even worse. Former Red Devils star Danny Welbeck doubled his side’s lead, firing home a wicked effort past Senne Lammens.

Darren Fletcher’s side did manage to pull a goal back thanks to Benjamin Sesko, who now has three goals in his last two games. However, the Slovenian’s header from Bruno Fernandes’ corner proved too little, too late, and United failed to score the second goal to send the game to extra time.

It was a day to forget for United, but teenage star Shea Lacey impressed on FA Cup debut, even if he did receive a late red card.

Lacey’s performance vs. Brighton

18-year-old starlet Lacey had a heartbreaking end to the game, being booked twice in a matter of minutes after committing a foul, then reacting by throwing the ball angrily to the ground. He was clearly devastated about the outcome as he walked off the pitch.

Yet, it is important not to let that harsh dismissal tarnish what was a fantastic performance from the Liverpool-born winger.

Operating out on the right-hand side, Lacey was a constant threat to Brighton, driving at their defence with purpose and looking to offer something in the final third.

He received plaudits for his performance despite the red card. United’s number 61 received a 6/10 post-match rating from Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall. He said Lacey “lifted” Fletcher’s side with his trickery.

The 18-year-old’s stats from the game back that up, too. He had a big impact in just 15 touches of the ball, creating one chance and attempting two dribbles. It was a positive performance from the Carrington graduate.

There is certainly a case to be made that Lacey outshone one of United’s senior attackers.

Man United star outshone by Lacey

Playing in a more unfamiliar role on the right, it was a tough day at the office for Red Devils number seven, Mason Mount. He struggled to make much of an impact going forward and didn’t really pose the dynamic threat Lacey did later in the game.

That was certainly picked up on by Marshall who gave Mount a lower rating than the teenager at just 5/10. The journalist said he “struggled with his role on the right” and noted that he was “a weakness defensively” against Ferdi Kadioglou, too.

The 27-year-old’s numbers at the end of the game suggest it was a night to forget. He had just 23 touches across the hour – ten fewer than Lammens – and lost the ball five times. He failed to create a chance and only completed eight of nine passes in the Seagulls’ half.

It is currently unclear who will take the game next up for managerless United. They face Manchester City at Old Trafford next Saturday lunchtime, but Mount’s performance against Brighton might have harmed his chances of a start on the right wing.

Lacey, of course, is banned for that game, but the Red Devils have plenty of options. Both Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are back from AFCON after their respective nations were eliminated over the weekend.

It gives whoever is in charge two new players to select out wide on the right, and surely reduces Mount’s chances of a start out on that side. He certainly didn’t offer much against Brighton, and might lose his place in the side as a result.