MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United, currently without a coach, was eliminated from the FA Cup after losing 2-1 to Brighton on Sunday.
At the end of a week in which the Premier League team and winner of 13 FA Cup titles sacked manager Ruben Amorim, the defeat at Old Trafford likely condemned United to another trophyless season and led to loud boos from the home crowd.
Interim coach Darren Fletcher admitted the 20th English champions are “not in a good place” but said it was too early to rule out the season with Champions League qualification still within reach.
“It’s probably not what the fans want to hear about Manchester United because they’ve been winning cups and competing for the Premier League. Don’t waste the season. That would be the challenge I would pose. That’s the challenge the players probably feel they need to achieve this year,” he said.
Former United striker Danny Welbeck scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 64th minute, meaning Benjamin Sesko’s late header was only a consolation in the third round match.
United were knocked out of both knockout competitions on home soil after a humiliating defeat to fourth-tier side Grimsby in the English League Cup.
United’s only chance to win a trophy this season is the Premier League, but that would require a titanic move given they are seventh in the standings and 17 points behind leaders Arsenal with 17 games remaining.
A trophyless campaign would be the second consecutive season in which United have come away empty-handed.
The club’s board hopes that an interim coach can save the season by ensuring qualification for the Champions League. United have spoken to former players such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick about taking over until the summer. Fletcher, who has been in charge of both parties since Amorim’s departure, is also a candidate, as is former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The defeat to Brighton underlined the challenge facing the interim manager.
“Any time you come to Manchester United, it’s a huge job. It’s not about one manager, it’s not about managers. It’s about everyone and the players have to come together, take responsibility, find a way to improve quickly and take on the challenge for the rest of the season,” Fletcher said.
Brajan Gruda put Brighton ahead in the 12th minute, with Welbeck doubling the lead after the break. Sesko scored his third goal in two games in the 85th minute, but substitute Shea Lacey was sent off four minutes later and United were unable to force a tie to send the game into extra time.
“I gave it my best and ultimately I’m disappointed not to be able to win a game or get a result today,” said Fletcher, who drew his other game in charge 2-2 against relegation-battlers Burnley.
Arsenal advance
Arsenal advanced earlier with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Portsmouth.
Martinelli’s hat trick helped the Premier League leader come back after trailing by a goal against a team that plays in the Championship, England’s second division, inside the first three minutes.
Colby Bishop stunned Arsenal with the opening goal at Fratton Park, but the lead only lasted five minutes when Andre Dozzell scored an own goal.
Martinelli put the visitors ahead with a deflected header in the 25th minute. He slid in for his second goal six minutes after the break and headed his third goal in the 72nd minute. It was the first time the Brazilian scored a hat-trick for Arsenal.
The victory could have been even more convincing if Noni Madueke had converted from the penalty spot in the first half.
“It’s always difficult going to these places, especially the way we started the game, conceding the goal early, but we managed to turn it around, so I’m very happy,” coach Mikel Arteta said.
Arsenal, who have a record 14 FA Cup titles, last lifted the trophy in Arteta’s first season in charge in 2020. It was the last major honor the London club won, but with the victory against Portsmouth they remain on course for four titles along with the Premier League, the Champions League and the English League Cup.
“I think we are very privileged to be where we are, and the games we have to play, which means we are in all the competitions,” Arteta said.
Leeds recover
Top-flight side Leeds were also behind against a Championship side but recovered from 1-0 down to beat Derby 3-1 at Pride Park.
Third division side Mansfield pulled off a surprise by beating Championship side Sheffield United 4-3 and Norwich thrashed Walsall 5-1, with Jovon Makama scoring a hat-trick. Norwich manager Philippe Clement later said that US international Josh Sargent refused to play in the match.
West Ham, who are fighting relegation, needed extra time to beat QPR 2-1. Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos’ goal saw Nuno Espirito Santo’s side end a 10-game winless streak.
West Bromwich Albion beat Swansea 6-5 on penalties after drawing 2-2 after extra time. Hull won 4-3 against Blackburn on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Norwich fan dies
Norwich reported that a home fan died after their victory over Walsall at Carrow Road. The death occurred after a medical emergency after the match and the club announced the fan’s death later.
“The club would like to sincerely thank the medical staff, stewards and close supporters for their efforts to help during the emergency and will ensure those involved receive appropriate care,” a Norwich statement read.
“Everyone at Norwich City would like to send their sincere condolences to the fan’s family and friends.”
