Manchester United crash out of League Cup after Brighton overturn two-goal deficit

Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead as Brighton came from behind to win 3-2 at Old Trafford and send them out of the English League Cup on Wednesday.

The defeat, United’s third of the season and second in succession after Sunday’s loss to Manchester City, was met by boos from the home supporters at the final whistle.

Michael Carrick’s side appeared to be in control after academy graduate Shea Lacey scored on his first senior start in the eighth minute. Mason Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later, putting United 2-0 ahead after 10 minutes.

Brighton responded before the interval when Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit from a tight angle in first-half added time. Pascal Gross then equalised in the 65th minute, creating room inside the penalty area with quick footwork before beating United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Four minutes later, Brighton completed the turnaround. United’s poor defending allowed Maxim De Cuyper to react from close range and poke the ball into the net.

Marcus Rashford had an opportunity to restore parity after breaking through on goal, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele won the one-on-one contest.

“We had the game exactly where we wanted it and and let it get away from us in a big way,” United coach Carrick told Sky Sports. “We can’t accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it.”

The result means United have been eliminated from the League Cup at the earliest possible stage for a second consecutive season. They were beaten by fourth-tier Grimsby last year, a result that came during Ruben Amorim’s time as manager before Carrick replaced him in January.

United have won only two of their six matches in all competitions this season, with one victory in the Premier League. Carrick had guided the team to a resurgence last season that secured a return to the Champions League, but that momentum has not continued into the current campaign.

The reaction from the Old Trafford crowd reflected the growing pressure surrounding the club.

“It doesn’t feel good at the moment, let me tell you,” Carrick said. “But we can get back to winning football matches and we’ve got to do a lot of things better. I totally understand the feelings of the supporters.

“We have to accept it. I totally accept it. It’s on me ultimately, as a team, what we look like, how we play and what results you get. I’ll take that. You take the praise. I’ll stand here and take the criticism and the upset.”

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler said his team’s belief had remained intact despite falling two goals behind.

“We were quickly 2-0 behind, but what we had was really the belief to come back,” he told ITV Sport.

United travel to face winless Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, before the first international break of the season.