A pall hung over Old Trafford as Manchester United’s FA Cup hopes evaporated against Brighton, signaling a likely second consecutive season without silverware. Brajan Gruda and a haunting goal from former United player Danny Welbeck propelled Brighton forward, despite a late consolation strike from Benjamin Sesko.
The defeat felt particularly stark given the recent upheaval at the club, still reeling from another managerial change and facing a daunting Premier League schedule. Adding to the frustration, a young Shea Lacey received a late red card, compounding a thoroughly disappointing afternoon.
One notable absence from the matchday squad was Luke Shaw, a consistent performer who had started nearly every game this season. His omission raised eyebrows, especially considering his importance to the team’s stability.
Rumors swirled before the match, suggesting Shaw’s absence wasn’t due to injury, but rather a tactical decision to rest the player. He had started four games in a demanding sixteen-day period, and the coaching staff were mindful of managing player fatigue.
Interim manager Darren Fletcher later confirmed this, explaining the decision was rooted in workload management. With several players sidelined through injury or participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, the squad was stretched thin.
Fletcher emphasized the need to protect key players like Shaw and Casemiro, who had accumulated significant minutes. The aim was to prevent further injuries and provide opportunities for other members of the squad.
Shaw is expected to be fit and available for the upcoming Manchester derby, a crucial fixture in United’s season. However, the question remains whether he will immediately reclaim his starting position, or if Patrick Dorgu will be given a chance to impress.
The decision to rest Shaw highlights the delicate balance managers face between maintaining form and preserving player fitness during a congested fixture list. It’s a gamble that, on this occasion, didn’t yield the desired result.
