PORTSMOUTH: Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton, ending their hopes of silverware this season. Interim manager Darren Fletcher watched helplessly as his side struggled to convert early opportunities, leaving fans frustrated amid growing discontent at Old Trafford.
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Brighton took the lead through Brajan Gruda in the 12th minute from a Danny Welbeck cross, while United’s response came via Welbeck himself, who fired into the top corner against his former club. Benjamin Sesko’s late header offered a glimmer of hope, but it proved insufficient. Teenager Shea Lacey was sent off for dissent during stoppage time, capping a miserable afternoon for the Red Devils.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli stole the headlines with a hat-trick as the Gunners crushed Championship side Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park to reach the fourth round for the first time in three years. Martinelli briefly courted controversy for a clash with Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, who suffered a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season, but he apologised after the match. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his forward’s ability to bounce back and deliver under pressure.
Other FA Cup fixtures saw West Ham United edge Queen Park Rangers 2-1 after extra time, with new signing Taty Castellanos scoring his first goal for the club. Leeds United rallied to beat Derby County 3-1, while League One Mansfield held off Sheffield United 4-3. Norwich, Hull, and West Brom also progressed to the last 32. Chelsea began Liam Rosenior’s tenure with a 5-1 rout of Charlton Athletic, while Aston Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, adding pressure on manager Thomas Frank.
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The results mark a dramatic weekend in the FA Cup, highlighting big wins, shocking upsets, and rising tensions across English football.