Manchester United's caretaker boss issues stark message after crashing out of FA Cup

The third-round defeat came at the end of a chaotic week that began with Ruben Amorim being dismissed as manager.

Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck found the net for the Seagulls to seal their passage into the next round.

The loss means United's chances of claiming any silverware this campaign have now evaporated, with the club having already exited the Carabao Cup at the first stage.

Benjamin Sesko pulled one back late on for the hosts, but it proved merely a consolation.

The match concluded with teenager Shea Lacey receiving his marching orders after collecting two yellow cards.

With domestic cup competitions now out of reach just 11 days into the new year, Fletcher emphasised that securing Champions League football must be the priority, as either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick will be appointed as the next interim manager, inheriting a squad focused solely on league matters.

After what is set to be his final game as caretaker, the former United midfielder said: "Any time you come in at Manchester United, it’s a massive job.

"The thing for me is there’s still a lot to play for this season and I think if I look at the players - and we get players back from injury and AFCON and we get a fuller squad - they have got the ability to qualify in the Champions League place.

"That should be their objective, that should be their mindset, but they’re going to have to come together and be part of that as well. It’s not about a manager, it’s not about directors.

"It’s about everyone and the players have to group together, take responsibility, find a way of improving quickly and taking on the challenge for the rest of the season. Don’t waste the season."

Fletcher admitted the club are "not in a great moment" when it was put to him United look like a mess, although they are seventh in the Premier League and within three points of fourth.

Asked if this group are in a better place to qualify for the Champions League than when they spiralled after an early Champions League exit in 2021-22, he said: "Yes, I do. I think they are.

"That was a very strange season. There were a lot of players out of contract and there was a lot of different dynamics. It was difficult when we went out in the Champions League. There was a massive drop off. You could see that, that was visible for everyone to see.

"But that also let us know the true characters of the players, so actually for a disappointing season, although the end of the season looked terrible, true character reveals itself in difficult times."

He added: "So, we learned a lot about a lot of the players in that situation, so that will be the same about these lads now.

"You know, difficult times, true character is going to show, so they have to dig in, show they want to be part of Manchester United’s future, learn from this.

"And, ultimately, if you’re not, then I don’t think you should be here or will be here. It sounds strong, but that’s just the reality and the way it should be."

As for Fletcher, he will report to Carrington on Monday morning to find out more about the future as United finalise their plans for the rest of the season.

The Under-18s coach said: "I’ve had zero indication. It’s a massive responsibility to lead this club, and I’ve given it my best.

"Ultimately I’m disappointed to not be able to win a game or to get a result today, but I feel like there were some good things in there, created a lot of chances, shots, things like that, but, ultimately it wasn’t enough."

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