Wembley 1983 FA Cup Final vs Manchester United

Lore & Background

Manchester United were the favourites, as Brighton had been relegated from the First Division that season, and had never reached a cup final before. United had finished third in the league that season and already had four FA Cup victories to their name. The final ended in a 2–2 draw, forcing a replay at Wembley five days later, which Manchester United won 4–0. It was the third successive year that the FA Cup Final required a replay.

Reader's Guide

The first match saw Brighton take an early lead through Gordon Smith. Frank Stapleton equalised and Ray Wilkins put Manchester United into the lead. Gary Stevens scored a late equaliser for Brighton which took the game into extra time. The game became infamous for the radio commentary line by Peter Jones '...and Smith must score' about a shot by Gordon Smith saved by Gary Bailey. The replay started with Brighton taking the game to Manchester United, but United scored through Bryan Robson, then Norman Whiteside made it 2–0, Robson scored again before half-time, and Arnold Mühren scored a penalty in the second half.

Did You Know?

• Brighton travelled to Wembley stadium by helicopter instead of using the traditional route of a team coach.
• Steve Foster, Brighton's captain, was suspended for the match having received a booking in a league match against Notts County.
• Norman Whiteside became the youngest player to ever score in an FA Cup final as per 2024.
• This was the first of three times that Bryan Robson captained Manchester United to FA Cup glory; he also achieved the feat in 1985 and 1990.