Manchester United lose their lead in the Carabao Cup

Manchester United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after losing 2-3 to Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday 16 September 2026, despite having led the match with two early goals and sitting in 13th place in the Premier League.

Promising start and unexpected fall

Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the 8th minute, followed by Mason Mount two minutes later, putting Manchester United 2-0 up. The goals came after a play by Tielemans and a rebound from Rashford that goalkeeper Steele deflected. The team seemed to control the game and the score remained unchanged until halftime.

Details of Brighton's goal

Charalampos Kostoulos reduced the deficit in the 46th minute, starting Brighton's comeback. Pascal Gross scored in the second half, although reports differ: one source cites the 65th minute, another points to the 20th minute of the second half. Maxim De Cuyper sealed the victory with his goal, reported at the 69th minute or at the 24th minute of the second half, depending on the version.

Seasonal repercussions

Manchester United are experiencing a difficult start to the campaign, with only 4 points after the first four rounds of the Premier League and sitting in 13th place. In contrast, Brighton sit in fifth place in the English league, establishing themselves as one of the trendiest teams.

Michael Carrick managed Manchester United in the match, and the elimination represents a hard blow to his project. The defeat leaves the team without options in the English League Cup, known as the League Cup.

According to the data, it is the first time in 50 years that Manchester United have lost after leading 2-0 at home in any competition. This setback casts doubt on the team's ability to overturn adverse situations.

On the same matchday, Aston Villa progressed to the round of 16 after beating Coventry 3-1, while Everton qualified by overcoming Wolves 1-0.

The moment photograph, taken by Dave Thompson, accompanies the chronicle of this duel. In the International Football coverage, the match was recorded under the reference MANCHESTER UNITED 2 x 3 BRIGHTON.