Brighton & Hove Albion produced a stunning second-half comeback at Old Trafford to eliminate Manchester United from the Carabao Cup.
United manager Michael Carrick watched his side surrender a two-goal lead in a matter of four second-half minutes, triggering chorus boos from home supporters at the final whistle.
The defeat marked the first time Manchester United led by two goals at home and lost since a 3-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in 1976. The painful exit extends United’s ongoing domestic cup slump following recent early exits.
United initially appeared in full control during a lively opening period. Academy product Shea Lacey marked his first senior start by scoring a fine opening goal after eight minutes. Mason Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later by slamming home a rebound from Marcus Rashford’s saved effort.
Second-half collapse exposes defensive vulnerabilities
Brighton initiated their fightback just before halftime when Charalampos Kostoulas pulled a goal back. The Seagulls then levelled the score in the second half when skipper Pascal Groß was left unmarked to curl a precise shot past debutant goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Four minutes later, Kostoulas turned provider by setting up substitute Maxim De Cuyper to complete the dramatic turnaround. Carrick introduced captain Bruno Fernandes in the 72nd minute, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele pulled off a heroic late save against Marcus Rashford to preserve the 3-2 win.
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This cup exit adds pressure on Carrick, following a derby defeat to 10-man Manchester City and academy star JJ Gabriel signaling his intention to leave the club. Brighton’s travelling supporters celebrated wildly as their team marched into the last 16.
