Man Utd vs Brighton: Fletcher experiment failing quickly as Red Devils dumped out of FA Cup

Ruben Amorim's sacking has failed to have the desired effect as caretaker boss Darren Fletcher failed to inspire his Manchester United against Brighton in the FA Cup third round.

Brighton dictated the pace from the start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Brajan Gruda.

The German winger pounced on a rebound after Lisandro Martínez had cleared a Georginio Rutter header off the line.

United’s defensive frailties were exposed again early in the second half, when former United striker Danny Welbeck doubled the lead with a clinical finish, refusing to celebrate against his boyhood club

United offered a late response, pulling one back through Benjamin Sesko, but the lack of cohesion was evident throughout.

While they dominated possession in the closing stages, the Seagulls' disciplined defense held firm.

The afternoon ended in further frustration for the hosts as teenage substitute Shea Lacey was sent off in the 89th minute for a second yellow card.