MANCHESTER UNITED CRASH OUT OF CARABAO CUP AFTER HISTORIC COLLAPSE AGAINST BRIGHTON.

At Old Trafford, United raced into a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes through academy graduate Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, only for Brighton to stage a stunning comeback. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back on the stroke of half-time, before Pascal Groß equalised in the 65th minute and substitute Maxim De Cuyper sealed the victory four minutes later.

The defeat marked the first time in the Premier League era that Manchester United lost a home match in any competition after leading by two goals. It was also their first such reverse at Old Trafford in 50 years, since a 3-2 loss to Tottenham in 1976.

Lacey, making his first senior start, opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a composed finish after good work involving Benjamin Sesko and Youri Tielemans. The 19-year-old celebrated by kissing the club badge. Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later, volleying home after Marcus Rashford’s effort was parried by goalkeeper Jason Steele.



Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, grew into the contest and deservedly reduced the deficit through Kostoulas in first-half stoppage time. The visitors dominated the second period. Groß levelled after Luka Vušković’s header found him unmarked, and De Cuyper, introduced as a substitute, converted Kostoulas’s low cross from close range to complete the turnaround.

Loud boos rang around Old Trafford at the final whistle. The result follows a painful Premier League derby defeat to 10-man Manchester City three days earlier and comes amid internal issues, including a transfer request from highly rated 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel.

Carrick’s side created early promise but offered little resistance once Brighton seized the initiative. United’s expected goals stood at just 1.04 compared to Brighton’s 2.15, reflecting the visitors’ superior second-half control despite even possession.



Brighton progress to the fourth round, where they will face either Manchester City or Norwich City. For United, the early cup exit adds to a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign under Carrick, who has seen his team take limited points from their opening Premier League fixtures.

Lacey’s goal provided a rare bright spot on a night of frustration for the home supporters. The teenager had previously made substitute appearances and was handed his first start amid the club’s ongoing transition.

United must now regroup quickly ahead of their next Premier League outing, with questions mounting over defensive organisation and the ability to protect leads. Brighton, by contrast, continue to prove difficult opponents at Old Trafford, securing their fifth win in six visits in recent years.

The result leaves Carrick facing intensified scrutiny as the Red Devils seek to arrest a worrying slide in form across competitions.