Manchester United were eliminated from the League Cup on Wednesday night after suffering a 3-2 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, despite having led 2-0 inside the opening ten minutes. The loss marked the first time since September 1976 that United had lost at home after leading by two goals, when Tottenham Hotspur came back to win by the same scoreline.
The defeat was another blow for United, who had lost 1-0 to rivals Manchester City in the Premier League earlier in the week. The club currently sits 13th in the league table, having won just one of their first four matches.
Brighton Stun Old Trafford with Second-Half Comeback
United started brightly, with youngster Shea Lacey giving them the lead in the eighth minute. Mason Mount doubled the advantage just two minutes later, putting the hosts in a commanding position.
However, Brighton responded in the second half. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, and Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute. Maxim De Cuyper then scored the winner four minutes later, completing the turnaround and silencing the home crowd, who booed at the final whistle.
Carrick Takes Responsibility
United manager Michael Carrick spoke to Sky Sports after the match, saying: “We cannot accept what happened. I take full responsibility. The performance in the final stage of the match is on me.”
This is United’s third consecutive defeat in domestic cup competitions. Last season, they exited the League Cup in the second round on penalties to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, and then lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup in January.
What Went Wrong for United?
United’s early dominance quickly faded as Brighton grew into the game. The midfield struggled to maintain control, and the defence looked vulnerable under pressure. The substitutions and tactical adjustments in the second half failed to stem Brighton’s momentum, leading to the late collapse.
The result leaves United with mounting pressure as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture. Carrick’s side will need to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in what is already a challenging start to the season.