BREAKING NEWS: Scholes “Disgusted” as Man Utd Legend Tears Into Dalot After FA Cup Nightmare
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes did not mince his words after watching the club suffer a humiliating 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday, a result that effectively extinguished their final realistic chance of silverware this season. From the directors’ box at Old Trafford, Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson looked on in disbelief as United once again unravelled on a night that summed up their troubled campaign.
Much of Scholes’ fury was directed at Diogo Dalot, whose performance against Brighton drew heavy criticism. The Portuguese defender endured a torrid afternoon, missing a clear opportunity early in the game before repeatedly finding himself out of position as Brighton pressed with intensity. Both of the visitors’ goals, scored by Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck, exposed United’s defensive frailties, with Dalot caught on the wrong side of key moments.
In his post-match analysis, Scholes launched a scathing assessment of Dalot’s display, questioning how the full-back continues to feature regularly for the club. He described the performance as unacceptable and suggested United should seriously consider moving on, arguing that players who fail to deliver in decisive moments only hold the team back. For Scholes, the defeat was not just about one poor game, but about a wider lack of reliability and accountability.
The loss also deepened the sense of crisis surrounding interim manager Darren Fletcher, who stepped into the role following the recent dismissal of Ruben Amorim. As the final whistle blew, frustration boiled over inside Old Trafford, with fans voicing their anger as United crashed out of both domestic cup competitions at the earliest possible stage. It marked the first time since the 1980s that the club has exited both cups so abruptly, underlining just how far standards have slipped.
Defensively, United looked disjointed throughout the match, with Dalot and Patrick Dorgu frequently leaving the centre-backs exposed. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens appeared uneasy under pressure, adding to the nervousness at the back. The evening went from bad to worse late on when 18-year-old substitute Shea Lacey was sent off in the 90th minute after picking up two quick yellow cards, compounding United’s misery.
In the aftermath, social media was awash with criticism, with calls growing louder for Dalot to be replaced before the January transfer window closes. With the Premier League title already beyond reach and no cup run left to salvage the season, scrutiny on the INEOS leadership has intensified. Supporters are now demanding not only a permanent managerial appointment, but also a ruthless squad overhaul as the club searches for a way out of yet another damaging slump.
