Man United Crash Out of League Cup After Blowing 2-0 Lead Against Brighton

Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup after Brighton & Hove Albion overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United appeared firmly in control after taking a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes, but Brighton produced a remarkable comeback to reach the fourth round.

Teenager Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute with his first senior goal for Manchester United. Mason Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later after Marcus Rashford’s effort was saved by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The early goals gave United a commanding start, but Brighton gradually found their rhythm and began creating opportunities.

The visitors reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time when Charalampos Kostoulas punished poor defending to make it 2-1 before the break.

Brighton continued to threaten after the restart and eventually completed the comeback with two goals in the space of four minutes.

Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute after controlling Luka Vuskovic’s header inside the area before firing past United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Four minutes later, Brighton completed the turnaround. Maxim De Cuyper finished from close range after receiving a pass from Kostoulas, giving the visitors a 3-2 lead.

United attempted to respond, with manager Michael Carrick introducing Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha in the closing stages, but Brighton held on for victory.

The defeat marked United’s second consecutive home loss following their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.

Carrick accepted responsibility for his side’s collapse, acknowledging that United failed to maintain control after establishing a strong position early in the game.

The result also extended Brighton’s recent success against United. The Seagulls had eliminated them from the FA Cup at Old Trafford earlier in the year.

United’s defeat was particularly notable because it was their first home loss after leading by two goals since September 1976, when Tottenham Hotspur also came from behind to win 3-2.

For Brighton, the victory secured a place in the League Cup fourth round and continued their impressive record against United.

For Manchester United, the defeat means another domestic cup campaign has ended prematurely, increasing scrutiny around the team’s early-season performances under Carrick.