Brighton rallied from a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford to eliminate Manchester United from the English League Cup, handing manager Michael Carrick his second consecutive defeat.
Manchester United suffered an early exit from the English League Cup for the second consecutive season after blowing a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton at Old Trafford.
United appeared in full control early on, taking an 8th-minute lead through academy graduate Shea Lacey on his first senior start before Mason Mount doubled the advantage within 10 minutes. However, Brighton began its comeback when Charalampos Kostoulas pulled a goal back from a tight angle in first-half added time.
Pascal Gross equalized for Brighton in the 65th minute after beating United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, and Maxim De Cuyper tapped home the winning goal four minutes later following defensive errors. Marcus Rashford had a chance to equalize in a one-on-one situation but was denied by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
The result marks United's third loss of the season and second in as many games following a defeat to Manchester City. Carrick's side has won just two of its six matches across all competitions, leaving the team facing growing unrest from supporters who jeered at the final whistle.
"We had the game exactly where we wanted it and let it get away from us in a big way," United coach Michael Carrick said. "We can't accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it. 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."
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler praised his side's determination following the comeback, saying: "We were quickly 2-0 behind, but what we had was really the belief to come back."
In other League Cup action, Aston Villa secured a 3-1 victory over Coventry behind a double from Tammy Abraham, Everton defeated Wolverhampton 1-0 via a Charly Alcaraz strike, and fourth-tier Fleetwood upset Sheffield United 1-0. Following the fourth-round draw, Fleetwood will face Premier League champion Arsenal, while Liverpool is set to host Chelsea at Anfield.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.