Manchester United suffered a damaging Carabao Cup exit after throwing away a two-goal lead as Brighton completed a dramatic comeback victory at Old Trafford to reach the last 16.
Michael Carrick’s side appeared to be heading for a much-needed win after youngsters and senior players combined to give United a flying start. Shea Lacey, making his first senior start, opened the scoring after only eight minutes with a composed finish.
Mason Mount doubled the advantage just two minutes later, reacting to a blocked Marcus Rashford effort and driving home the rebound. With United two goals ahead inside 10 minutes, the hosts looked firmly in control.
Brighton, however, changed the direction of the contest before the interval. Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit shortly before half-time, giving the visitors hope of a comeback.
United’s advantage then disappeared during a disastrous spell in the second half. Brighton captain Pascal Gross was given space on the edge of the penalty area and converted after controlling a clearance from halfway.
Four minutes later, Brighton completed the turnaround. Kostoulas, having scored their first goal, turned provider by cutting the ball back for substitute Maxim de Cuyper to finish and put the visitors ahead.
Carrick responded by introducing captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining as United desperately searched for a way back into the game.
Rashford came close to an equaliser, only for Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele to deny him. At the opposite end, United debutant Karl Darlow prevented Diego Gomez from adding a fourth for the visitors.
The final whistle brought contrasting scenes around Old Trafford. Brighton’s travelling supporters celebrated their comeback in the corner of the stadium, while United were greeted by boos from sections of the home crowd.
The defeat also produced an unwanted piece of history. It was the first time since a 3-2 defeat against Tottenham in 1976 that United had lost a home game after holding a two-goal lead.
The result adds further pressure after United’s Manchester derby defeat against 10-man City and the news that highly rated 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel intends to leave the club.
United’s domestic cup struggles have now stretched across three successive defeats, following last season’s EFL Cup loss to League Two Grimsby and Brighton’s FA Cup victory at Old Trafford in January.
