Brighton’s comeback rattles Man United at Old Trafford

Brighton turned a two‑goal deficit into a 3‑2 victory over Man United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday, sparking a chorus of boos and raising fresh pressure on Michael Carrick.

Early dominance by United

Academy graduate Shea Lacey marked his first United start with a goal in the eighth minute, becoming the first teenager to score on debut since Marcus Rashford. A minute later Mason Mount doubled the lead, putting the Red Devils 2‑0 up within ten minutes.

Brighton’s second‑half revival

Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back just before half‑time, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. In the second half Pascal Gross levelled the tie in the 65th minute, and substitute Maxim De Cuyper, who entered in the 66th, struck the winner three minutes later.

Aftermath and Carrick’s doubts

Michael Carrick had already made a triple change before the equaliser, yet the Seagulls’ surge proved decisive. The defeat came three days after United’s controversial loss to ten‑man Manchester City, leaving Carrick facing difficult questions.

Fans unleashed louder boos at full‑time, recalling last year’s Grimsby humiliation as the Red Devils exited the competition for the second consecutive season.

The loss marked the first time since 1976 that United surrendered a two‑goal lead at Old Trafford, underscoring the magnitude of the collapse.

Brighton’s confidence was evident; they have won four of their previous five visits to Old Trafford, with skipper Pascal Gross heading the ball forward before his equaliser.

Other United players struggled to make an impact. Olivier Boscagli’s effort skimmed over the bar, Malick Yalcouye’s run went unanswered, and Matt O’Riley’s chance was missed as the hosts grew increasingly ragged.

In the closing stages, Bruno Fernandes entered as a substitute, but his pass to Rashford was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Karl Darlow, sealing a night of frustration for United supporters.