Interim manager Darren Fletcher delivered a damning verdict on his Manchester United squad, labelling them "fragile" after a dismal FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.
FA Cup Dream Ends With a Whimper
Manchester United's hopes of silverware this season were extinguished at Old Trafford on Sunday, 11th January 2026, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton. The loss marked the end of Darren Fletcher's brief stint as caretaker manager, finishing without a victory.
Brighton took control with first-half goals from Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck. A late consolation from Benjamin Sesko offered faint hope, but United's misery was compounded when substitute Shea Lacey received a second yellow card in the closing stages. The final whistle was met with a chorus of boos from the home support.
Fletcher's Frank Assessment of United's Flaws
Fletcher did not mince his words in his post-match analysis. He pinpointed a lack of tempo and confidence as the core issues plaguing the team. "We started OK, but didn't keep the tempo. Our passing was quite slow," Fletcher stated. "The players are fragile. They need to build themselves up and respond."
He emphasised that the responsibility lies squarely with the playing staff to reverse their fortunes. "Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football, but when you don't have it, you have to dig deep," he added. "It's only the players that can do something about it. They have to find a way to win. It's about hard work, attitude and application."
What Next for Manchester United?
Fletcher, who will now be replaced by another interim boss until the season's end, acknowledged the fans' right to express their discontent. "The fans have every right to air their grievances. They are right to do that," he conceded. However, he insisted the squad remains capable of salvaging their campaign, stating, "This side is still good enough to achieve something this season."
Match-winner Danny Welbeck expressed his delight at Brighton's triumph, saying, "To come here in the FA Cup... it's always a massive occasion - it's one that we're delighted with, to get into the next round." The result leaves Manchester United facing a prolonged period of introspection as they search for a permanent managerial solution and a route back to form.
