'Tried to kill them' - Brighton expose Manchester United frailties as Jack Hinshelwood leads FA Cup charge

Goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck secured a 2-1 third-round win over a disjointed Manchester United side, under temporary manager Darren Fletcher.

While the scoreline suggested a contest, Brighton were the superior side for long spells, controlling possession, carving out the clearer chances and showing far greater cohesion than their hosts, whose struggles were laid bare once again on a turbulent night.

Hinshelwood admitted Brighton had to withstand occasional pressure – with back-up goalkeeper Jason Steele in top form – but insisted the victory was built on collective belief and discipline.

“We suffered a bit in moments, but we showed unbelievable togetherness,” Hinshelwood said. “That’s what this group is all about. We fought right to the end and got what we deserved.”

Brighton’s authority with the ball was evident, particularly after a frantic opening period in which United attempted to disrupt the rhythm. Once Brighton settled, the contrast in quality became increasingly clear.

"I think in the first half we maybe tried to kill them too quickly,” 20-year-old Hinshelwood said.

"We probably should have built the attacks a few more times because it was a very transitional game.

"But I think we settled really well and we showed our quality at times today and we got two very good goals.”

The Seagulls would probably choose to play every week at Old Trafford, due to their incredible record at the famous stadium. They have four from the last five away matches at Manchester United – and have now also won seven out of the last ten games against the Red Devils.

Gruda – making his first appearance at Old Trafford – got the visitors underway, with a close-range goal after Georginio Rutter’s header was saved.

This 12th minute goal followed a slick passing move that sliced through United’s defensive structure. The goal came after Brighton patiently overloaded the left side of the pitch before switching play to devastating effect.

Albion academy graduate Hinshelwood explained: “We knew we were combining a bit on one side, I think Diego [Gomez] laid one back to me and I saw Ferdi [Kadioglu] in a load of space so I tried to switch it.

"Welb's done great and then we always speak about the opposite winger being at the back post and Gruda was there. He got rewarded for it.”

Germany under-21 midfielder Gruda later provided the pass to Welbeck, who emphatically found the top corner to double Brighton’s lead. It was the 35-year-old’s eighth goal against the club where he began his career.

Hinshelwood said: “It was off his weaker foot, you’d say but, wow, what a finish and what a player. We're blessed with so much quality in this group.

"I that's why I think maybe we've been disappointed with the way the season's gone at times because we know we possess so much quality.”

United’s response – an 85th minute header from Benjamin Sesko – owed more to Brighton’s momentary lapse than any sustained pressure. Hinshelwood was frank in his assessment of the concession.

"[We were] disappointed with the way we conceded their goal but we dug deep and we managed to get into the next round,” he added.

Key to that resilience was goalkeeper Jason Steele, who was outstanding early on and provided calm authority behind a back line – without the regular starting pair of Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk.

"Steele is there for us every single week, every day,” Hinshelwood said.

"He's a great character in the group. We wouldn't be what we are without him and he's coming today and putting on an unbelievable performance.

"I think arguably we've got two number ones – two unbelievable number ones. Bart's been unbelievable this season and Steele showed his level today.

"It’s so good when you know you've got him to come in in the cup games and what a presence to have behind you in the goal.”

The memorable cup win followed strong Premier League performances against Burnley and Manchester City.

“We've definitely not been a million miles away,” Hinshelwood said.

"We've probably just lacked a bit of consistency and the last three games we've really set a marker of what we need to do for the rest of the season.

“We've really set the standard and that's what we've got to aim for now for the rest of the season.

“We want to do our best in every competition, we had a good run in the League Cup at the start of the year as well and we want to go as deep into this competition as we can for sure.”

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