Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford as Brighton fought back from two goals down to secure a place in the last 16. United looked firmly in command after netting twice within the first 10 minutes, but Brighton replied with three goals to pull off a stunning turnaround.
The loss ended a 50-year record for United, who had not been beaten at home after leading by two goals since a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham in 1976. Michael Carrick was compelled to bring on captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes left, but his introduction could not avert another domestic cup setback.
Manchester United lets two-goal advantage slip
United got off to a perfect start when Shea Lacey scored just eight minutes into his first senior start. The highly rated youngster finished neatly to hand Carrick’s side an early lead.
Two minutes later, Mason Mount made it 2-0 by converting the rebound after Marcus Rashford’s attempt had been blocked. With United two goals up so early, the evening initially seemed to be shaping into a comfortable one for the home team.
Brighton, though, hit back before the break. Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit shortly before half-time, giving the visitors fresh hope heading into the second half.
Brighton completes Carabao Cup comeback
Brighton equalised when captain Pascal Gross was left unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. He had time to turn onto a clearance from halfway before firing his shot past Karl Darlow, who was making his Manchester United debut.
The visitors then completed the turnaround just four minutes later. Kostoulas turned provider this time, cutting the ball back for substitute Maxim de Cuyper, who finished to put Brighton ahead.
United tried to respond, with Jason Steele making a save to deny Rashford an equaliser. At the other end, Darlow was needed to stop Diego Gomez from adding a fourth Brighton goal.
Manchester United suffers another cup exit
Carrick turned to Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining as United searched for a way back into the match. Despite their efforts, Brighton held on to secure a spot in the last 16 and left the Old Trafford supporters booing their team at the final whistle.
The result was another blow for United after their recent Manchester derby defeat by 10-man City. It also followed 15-year-old academy player JJ Gabriel informing the club of his intention to leave.
Brighton’s win marked United’s third consecutive domestic cup defeat. Their previous two came against League Two Grimsby in the EFL Cup last season and Brighton in the FA Cup in January.
Brighton ends 50-year Manchester United record
The comeback produced a result United had not experienced at home for half a century. Their previous defeat after leading by two goals at Old Trafford had come against Tottenham in 1976, when they lost 3-2.
For Brighton, the turnaround transformed a match in which they had fallen two goals behind into a place in the Carabao Cup last 16. The travelling supporters celebrated in the corner of Old Trafford, while United’s home crowd voiced its frustration.
United’s defeat leaves their domestic cup run over and extends a difficult period for Carrick and his side following the Manchester derby loss and the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel.