Manchester United have been knocked out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford in their third-round encounter, with the fixture marking Darren Fletcher's second match at the helm in an interim capacity.
Danny Welbeck once again scored against his former club, with Brighton finally securing a first FA Cup victory against the Red Devils.
Brighton were eliminated by United in their six previous FA Cup meetings.
Brajan Gruda put Brighton ahead, and Welbeck’s eighth goal against his boyhood club gave the Seagulls a two-goal lead.
A late goal by Benjamin Sesko’s header could not rescue United, with teenage substitute Shea Lacey sent off for collecting two bookings as the Red Devils failed to reach the fourth round for the first time in 12 years.
This is the first time United have fallen at the first hurdle of both domestic competitions since 1981-82, and means they will play just 40 competitive matches this season - their fewest in a campaign in 111 years.
Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher stepped into his caretaker role following the dramatic departure of Ruben Amorim, who was relieved of his duties on Monday.
It has been a turbulent period for the Red Devils, with Fletcher's first game in charge producing a nervy draw against Burnley in midweek Premier League action.
Manchester United have been knocked out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton
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The FA Cup was United's sole remaining cup competition this season, following their Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Grimsby.
Now, out of the competition, United have just the Premier League to focus on this season.
Reports suggest that director of football Jason Wilcox has made it clear that securing Champions League qualification is the primary objective for the remainder of the campaign.
United have struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, managing only stalemates in their last three top-flight fixtures against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley.
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Danny Welbeck once again scored against his former club
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The weekend's FA Cup action has already delivered memorable moments, with National League outfit Macclesfield producing a stunning upset by eliminating holders Crystal Palace on Saturday.
For the hosts, avoiding a similar fate was paramount given the circumstances surrounding the club.
Brighton arrived at Old Trafford as formidable opponents, with Fabian Hurzeler's well-drilled squad having demonstrated their quality in a creditable draw at Manchester City just days earlier.
That midweek encounter at the Etihad Stadium marked the Seagulls' first trip to Manchester this week, with their journey to Old Trafford completing a double visit to the city in the space of just a few days.
Teenage substitute Shea Lacey was sent off for collecting two bookings
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Hurzeler's side has established itself as a disciplined and tactically astute outfit this campaign, making them far from straightforward opposition for a United team in transition.
The visitors' ability to frustrate Pep Guardiola's men underlined their credentials as genuine contenders in this competition.
For United, the challenge was clear: overcome a side brimming with confidence while navigating the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the dugout at Old Trafford.
Fletcher deployed his side in a back four formation as United sought to take the game to their opponents.
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| GettyThe tactical setup saw Mason Mount operating in a tucked-in position off the right flank, with Diogo Dalot providing width on the outside.
In central midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte formed the engine room, tasked with controlling proceedings against Brighton's organised press.
Bruno Fernandes went close with a low effort that required a strong save from Jason Steele, who pushed the ball around the post.
Meanwhile, clarity over United's permanent managerial situation is anticipated early next week, according to sources, as the club continues its search for Amorim's successor.
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