Manchester United suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford as the visitors booked their place in the last 16.
United looked to be heading towards a comfortable victory after scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes. However, Brighton responded with three goals, completing a remarkable turnaround and leaving the home supporters furious at the final whistle.
The result marked the first time Manchester United had led by two goals at home and still lost since their 3-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in 1976.
Brighton’s travelling fans celebrated wildly in one corner of Old Trafford, while United’s supporters voiced their disappointment by booing the team off the pitch.
Manchester United Make a Fast Start
United appeared to have found the perfect response to their recent setbacks when highly rated youngster Shea Lacey scored on his first senior start.
The 18-year-old opened the scoring after just eight minutes, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Mason Mount then doubled United’s lead only two minutes later. The midfielder followed up after Marcus Rashford’s effort had been blocked and fired the rebound into the net.
At 2-0 ahead, Michael Carrick’s side seemed firmly in control. Yet Brighton gradually found a way back into the contest before half-time.
Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit shortly before the interval, giving the visitors hope of completing a comeback.
Brighton Turn the Match Around
Brighton captain Pascal Gross scored the equaliser after finding space near the edge of the penalty area. He controlled a clearance from halfway, turned towards goal, and sent his effort beyond Karl Darlow, who was making his Manchester United debut.
The visitors completed their turnaround just four minutes later.
Kostoulas became the creator this time, delivering a cutback for substitute Maxim de Cuyper, who finished the move to put Brighton ahead.
With United suddenly trailing, Carrick introduced captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining in an attempt to rescue the tie.
Marcus Rashford came close to scoring an equaliser, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele made the necessary save. At the other end, Darlow kept United in the contest by denying Diego Gomez a potential fourth goal for the visitors.
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Another Domestic Cup Setback for United
The defeat represents Manchester United’s third consecutive domestic cup loss.
Last season, United were eliminated from the EFL Cup by League Two club Grimsby Town. Brighton then defeated them at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in January.
This latest result adds to a difficult period for Carrick’s side, following their disappointing Manchester derby defeat against 10-man Manchester City and the news that 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel had told the club of his intention to leave.
Brighton, meanwhile, can celebrate a memorable comeback victory and a place in the Carabao Cup last 16.
