Manchester United exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday after they lost 3-2 to Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The home side led 2-0 early but collapsed in a third-round tie that ended their involvement in the competition.
Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute on his first start for the club. The academy product finished clinically into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, Mason Mount doubled the lead. He reacted quickly after Jason Steele saved a shot from Marcus Rashford and fired the ball into the roof of the net. United looked comfortable at that stage.
Brighton grew into the match and created several chances. Just before the break, Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back in stoppage time. He punished defensive errors and beat goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The goal changed the mood inside the stadium as United lost control of the game.
After the restart, Brighton continued to press. Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute when he controlled a header and scored from close range. Four minutes later, substitute Maxim De Cuyper scored the winner.
He swept home a pass from Kostoulas after further defensive mistakes by United. Manager Michael Carrick introduced Bruno Fernandes and other senior players late in the match, yet United failed to find an equaliser.
The result marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United lost a home match after leading by two goals. Fans booed the team at the final whistle. Brighton advanced to the next round while United suffered their second successive home defeat.
