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WEL, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?

Daily Mirror UK

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January 12, 2026

Listless United's issues summed up by a Welbeck-inspired Seagulls victory at Old Trafford... and no one is surprised

- BY JEREMY CROSS

THERE were no shocks at Old Trafford, where Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup.

And the fact that this defeat came as no surprise is a damning reflection of how low this once great club has now sunk.

For the first time since World War II, United's chances of winning silverware are over in the second week of January.

Unless they go on and win the Premier League title - but there's more chance of hell freezing over than that happening. And heaven help whoever agrees to take interim charge ahead of next weekend's derby against Manchester City.

Because call me stupid, but whoever manages United is not the problem.

It is the players who are nowhere near good enough. Goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck were enough to send Brighton into the fourth round, despite a late strike from Benjamin Sesko.

It was Brighton's first win against United in the competition, but their fourth from the past five trips to Old Trafford.

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