Desk Correspondent , England - Manchester United's disastrous 2025-26 campaign hit a new low on Sunday as they were dumped out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The loss effectively ends United's hopes for silverware this season and heaps further pressure on interim manager Darren Fletcher, who was appointed following the recent departure of Ruben Amorim. Goals from Brajan Gruda and former United man Danny Welbeck sealed the win for the Seagulls, while a late header from Benjamin Sesko proved to be a mere consolation for the hosts.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford turned toxic as the final whistle blew, with fans targeting co-owners the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe with vocal protests. The defeat means Manchester United will play only 40 games this season—their lowest total since 1915—after exiting both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle. To add to their misery, teenage star Shea Lacey was sent off in stoppage time for dissent, rounding off a night that Fletcher described as "fragile" for the players.

In stark contrast, Arsenal cruised into the fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, inspired by a brilliant hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli. Despite an early scare when Pompey took a three-minute lead through Colby Bishop, Mikel Arteta’s side responded with authority. Martinelli, who had been under fire for a controversial incident involving Liverpool’s Conor Bradley earlier in the week, silenced his critics with a clinical performance. Other fourth-round results saw West Ham edge past QPR 2-1 in extra time, while Leeds United secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Derby County.