Brighton overturn two-goal deficit to inflict Manchester United’s first such Old Trafford loss in 50 years

Manchester United suffered a historic defeat against Brighton in the English League Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford and crashing out of the competition with a 3-2 loss.

According to football statistics provider Opta, it was the first time Manchester United had been beaten at home after leading by two goals in more than 50 years. The previous occasion came in September 1976, when Tottenham recovered to win 3-2 at Old Trafford.

The latest setback was particularly painful for the home side because United had made an outstanding start. Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute, before Mason Mount doubled the advantage just two minutes later.

Those early goals gave Manchester United a commanding position and left Brighton facing a difficult task to get back into the match. However, the visitors reduced the deficit before half-time, ensuring they remained within reach of a comeback.

Brighton then completed the turnaround after the interval by scoring an equaliser before adding a third goal to overturn the two-goal deficit and secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The result sent Brighton through at Manchester United’s expense and ended the home side’s hopes in the English League Cup. It also produced a rare statistic at Old Trafford, bringing back memories of United’s defeat by Tottenham in September 1976.

For Manchester United, the loss marked a complete reversal of a match that had appeared to be under control after Lacey and Mount struck inside the opening 10 minutes. Brighton’s response, however, changed the course of the game and left the hosts facing both elimination and an unwanted milestone that had not been seen at Old Trafford for more than half a century.