Because 11 January became the earliest point in a season since 1971 to ensure United would end it without silverware. United fell at the first hurdle of the FA Cup, just as they had in the League Cup, an unwanted double they had not mustered since 1982. The Scot won the FA Cup as a United midfielder; he will not as an interim manager. Call this belated revenge for the 1983 FA Cup final or simply another sign that Brighton are often better than United now. For United, who played 60 games last season, the workload will be reduced by 50 percent now.

Source: Express January 11, 2026 21:31 UTC