Manchester United was eliminated from the FA Cup after a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton. The loss ended United's last chance of silverware for the season. Brighton scored first in the 12th minute through Brajan Gruda, followed by a goal from Danny Welbeck in the second half against his former club. Persistent chants targeting Manchester United's ownership were reported during the match. A late header from Benjamin Sesko for United was not enough. United's interim manager Darren Fletcher received a yellow card after the match, and teenager Shea Lacey was shown a red card in stoppage time.
Manchester United's defender Diogo Dalot expressed disappointment, stating the team created enough chances to win. This defeat marks the first time since 1981/82 that United has been eliminated from both cup competitions in their first match, following a prior loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup. The club is projected to play 40 matches this season, their fewest since 1914/15.
In other FA Cup action, Arsenal advanced to the fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth, marking their first progression to this stage in three years. Portsmouth initially took the lead through Colby Bishop. Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, commented on Martinelli's resilience after a recent controversial incident involving Liverpool's Conor Bradley, who sustained a serious knee injury.
Additional FA Cup results included West Ham defeating QPR 2-1 after extra time with a goal from new signing Taty Castellanos. Leeds overcame Derby County 3-1, and League One side Mansfield secured a 4-3 win against Sheffield United. Norwich, Hull, and West Brom also progressed to the fourth round.