Manchester United’s bad week slumped to another low as they were knocked out of the EFL Cup by a thrilling fightback from Brighton.
Fresh from the controversial derby day defeat to Manchester City, Michael Carrick’s side raced into an early two-goal lead at Old Trafford.
But Brighton responded just before the break, and found two quick-fire second-half goals from Pascal Gross and Maxim de Cuyper to romp to a famous win.
It’s the first time United have lost at home having been two goals up since November 1976.
Things looked different after a thrilling opening.
Shaea Lacey, 19, was handed a start by boss Carrick and wowed Old Trafford with a fine opener.
The winger got the ball inside the area, moved inside onto his left foot and hammered past Jason Steele at his near post.
United doubled their lead 46 seconds later as Mason Mount bundled in a rebound for his first goal in 2026.
United had bossed the first half but Brighton struck back in stoppage time with Charalampos Kostoulas poking through the legs of a hesitant Karl Darlow.
The composed and quality Gross then levelled the scores when he fired in a loose ball, and substitute De Cuyper then latched on to a pass from Kostoulas to score.
United have won the League Cup on six occasions, most recently in 2023, but head out while Albion remain on the hunt for a first major trophy.
Lacey was one bright point as fellow prospect JJ Gabriel was not involved.
The hugely gifted 15-year-old was expected to get minutes in the EFL Cup but has instead asked to leave United following a breakdown in relations between his family and the club, according to reports.
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