Manchester United have been knocked out of the EFL Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead from the first half in a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
It was a flying start for the red Devils, who took control early with two quick goals inside the opening stages. Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the 8th minute, finishing calmly after driving into the box and finding the near post past Jason Steele.
United doubled their advantage shortly after, as Mason Mount reacted quickest inside the box to slot home from a rebound after Marcus Rashford’s effort was initially saved, sending the Old Trafford crowd into celebration.
Brighton, however, slowly grew into the game and found a way back just before halftime. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Charalampos Kostoulas reacted fastest to a long ball and finished clinically to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The second half saw a complete shift in momentum. Brighton pressed higher and levelled the tie in the 65th minute when Pascal Gross converted from close range after sustained pressure inside the box.
Just four minutes later, the comeback was complete. A quick Brighton break ended with substitute Maxim De Cuyper arriving at the right time to turn in a low cross and make it 3-2, silencing Old Trafford.
United pushed for a late response, introducing fresh attacking options, but Brighton held firm under pressure and managed the closing stages professionally to secure a famous away comeback and progress to the fourth round.
The defeat adds further pressure on Michael Carrick, with growing questions over United’s ability to manage games and hold onto leads in key moments.
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