Manchester United must immediately drop 23-touch flop lost to Shay Lacey

Manchester United lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford and were eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup.

United are set to play just 40 games in the 2025-26 season, despite a lackluster showing in Ruben Amorim’s second game since taking over.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to take control. Brajan Gruda opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the match by positioning himself in acres of space in the penalty area and punching in a loose ball. He made no mistakes from outside the yard and slammed home to give the Seagulls the lead.

Despite having 12 shots in the first half alone, United were unable to find an equaliser. Then, after an hour, things got even worse. Former Red Devils star Danny Welbeck doubled his side’s lead with a superb shot past Senne Ramens.

Darren Fletcher’s side managed to get a goal back thanks to Benjamin Sesco. Sesco has scored three goals in the last two games. However, the Slovenian’s header from Bruno Fernandes’ corner proved to be too late, with United unable to get a second goal and the game going into extra time.

It was a memorable day for United, with teenage star Shea Lacey impressing on his FA Cup debut, even if he received a late red card.

Lacey’s performance against Brighton

It was a heartbreaking end for 18-year-old star player Lacey, who was booked twice within minutes after committing a foul and reacting angrily by throwing the ball on the ground. He was clearly devastated by the result as he left the pitch.

But it is important that the Liverpool-born winger’s excellent performance is not tarnished by that harsh red card.

Operating on the right, Lacey was a constant threat for Brighton, attacking defenders with purpose and looking to provide something in the final third.

Despite the red card, his performance was praised. United’s number 61 was rated 6/10 by Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall after the match. He said Mr Lacey had “lifted” Mr Fletcher’s side with the ruse.

The 18-year-old’s stats in this game back that up. He made a big impact with just 15 touches on the ball, creating one chance and attempting two dribbles. It was a great performance from the Carrington graduate.

There is certainly an argument to be made that Lacey outclassed one of United’s senior attackers.

Manchester United star Lacey wins

It was a tough day at the office for Red Devils number seven Mason Mount, who has taken on an unfamiliar role on the right flank. He struggled to make much of an impact after that and never really posed the kind of dynamic threat that Lacey displayed late in games.

Marshall certainly noticed that and gave Mount a lower than teenager rating of just 5/10. The same reporter said he was “struggling with his role on the right wing” and also noted that he “has weaknesses defensively” against Ferdy Kadiogou.

The 27-year-old’s numbers after the game suggested it was a night to forget. He had just 23 touches per hour, 10 fewer than Lamence, and lost the ball five times. He was unable to create chances, completing just eight of nine passes inside the Seagulls’ half.

It is unclear at this point who will be next for United, who are without a manager. They face Manchester City at Old Trafford next Saturday lunchtime, but Mount’s performance against Brighton could damage his chances of starting on the right wing.

Lacey, of course, was suspended for that game, but the Red Devils have plenty of options. Amad and Brian Mbeumo returned from AFCON after their respective countries were eliminated at the weekend.

This means whoever takes charge will have two new players to choose from wide on the right, which will certainly reduce the chances of Mount starting on the right. Admittedly he didn’t offer much against Brighton and may lose his place in the team as a result.