Manchester United’s struggles deepened as they were eliminated from the League Cup following a remarkable 3-2 comeback loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The result marks a second consecutive home defeat for Michael Carrick’s side, compounding the pressure on the manager early in the campaign.
United appeared in control after striking twice within the first ten minutes. Shea Lacey opened the scoring with his first goal for the club in the eighth minute, lashing a precise finish into the bottom corner after receiving possession inside the Brighton penalty area. Mason Mount doubled the lead just two minutes later, firing into the roof of the net following a save by goalkeeper Jason Steele from Marcus Rashford’s initial shot.
However, Brighton responded strongly before halftime. Charalampos Kostoulas capitalized on poor marking by Ayden Heaven to slot past Karl Darlow in stoppage time, igniting the visitors’ revival. The momentum shifted entirely in the second half, with Pascal Gross equalizing in the 65th minute by converting Luka Vuskovic’s header from close range.
Brighton secured the victory in the 70th minute when Maxim De Cuyper swept home from six yards after Kostoulas provided a pass, exploiting continued defensive errors from United. Despite late substitutions of Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, Carrick’s team could not find a response, leaving them shell-shocked and booed off the pitch.
The defeat is the latest blow for United, who already suffered a controversial 1-0 home loss to Manchester City on Sunday. The referees’ governing body admitted that VAR officials incorrectly allowed Erling Haaland’s winner in that match, leaving United with only one point from their first four Premier League games.
Carrick, who guided United to third place last season as interim manager before securing the role permanently, now faces scrutiny after losing three of six matches across all competitions. His decision to make eight changes highlighted concerns over squad depth amid criticism of the club’s summer transfer business. While Lacey has impressed, teenager JJ Gabriel has reportedly requested a move away from the club.
This is the second cup exit United have suffered to Brighton in nine months, following an FA Cup loss at Old Trafford in January. It also marks the first time in five decades that United have lost a home game after leading 2-0.
In other League Cup action, Tammy Abraham starred as Aston Villa came from behind to beat Coventry 3-1 at the CBS Arena, despite both clubs sitting in the Premier League relegation zone. Charly Alcaraz scored a late winner as Everton edged past Wolves 1-0, and fourth-tier Fleetwood Town progressed by defeating Sheffield United 1-0.
Brighton keep ruining United’s season. This is the second cup exit against them in nine months. Painful to watch.
Did United really lose a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford for the first time in fifty years? That’s historic in the worst way possible.
Three home losses already? Carrick is under immense pressure. The board needs to act now.
Absolutely stunning comeback from Brighton. United’s defense looked lost after that early promise.