Manchester United’s difficult week reached a new low on Tuesday as they squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. This defeat follows the club’s 199th derby loss to Manchester City just four days prior and comes amid the turbulence of JJ Gabriel officially requesting a move away from the club.
The collapse, which left Old Trafford supporters booing at the final whistle, broke a 50-year record for the club. The last time United surrendered a two-goal advantage at home to lose a match was against Tottenham in September 1976. The defeat raises mounting questions about the trajectory of Michael Carrick’s squad, which has managed only four points from 12 in league play and must secure a win against Fulham on Sunday to stabilize their season.
The match began with promise for the hosts, who opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Shea Lacey. Making his full debut, the 19-year-old shimmied past Jaouen Hadjam before finding the net. The momentum continued less than two minutes later when Mason Mount doubled the lead. Following a driving run from Marcus Rashford, Mount pounced on a rebound off goalkeeper Jason Steele to score his first goal since last December.
Despite United’s early dominance and positive attacking movement, the tide shifted as the game progressed. Brighton found a lifeline through Charalampos Kostoulas, who exploited a lapse in concentration by defender Ayden Heaven to finish through goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s legs. This goal proved to be a turning point, as Brighton capitalized on their resurgence to level the match and eventually seal the win through a 69th-minute strike from Maxim De Cuyper.
Manager Michael Carrick attempted to force a response in the closing stages, introducing Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha from the bench, but the tactical shift failed to break down the Seagulls’ defense. Marcus Rashford had a late opportunity to force an equalizer, but his effort was comfortably handled by Jason Steele. Carrick, who admitted feeling the weight of the pressure, acknowledged the team’s inability to register an accomplished or mature performance.
In other Carabao Cup action, League Two side Fleetwood Town achieved a historic milestone by defeating Sheffield United 1-0. A 57th-minute own goal by Rhys Norrington-Davies at Highbury secured the win for the fourth-tier club. Fleetwood dominated the second half, hitting the woodwork twice, while Sheffield United struggled to find an equalizer despite late pressure from Sydie Peck and Ben Brereton Díaz. This victory earns Fleetwood a place in the last 16 and a future tie against Arsenal. The report also notes that as the prolonged boos at the final whistle suggested, and doing so ends a proud 50-year record: the last time the same lead at Old Trafford ended in defeat was Tottenham’s 3-2 win in September 1976, capitulating after being 2-0 up may be the pick of these dizzying blows. The report also notes that there was no surprise he hit Jason Steele rather than the net, when Marcus Rashford skated in with the chance to take the tie to 3-3 late on. The report also notes that serious questions will now be asked about where Carrick’s team are heading; they have to beat Fulham on Sunday to start correcting a dismal start to the season, after taking only four points from 12 in the league. The report also notes that the manager already looks haunted and he talked afterwards of not caring about being under pressure. The report also notes that as impressive here was Benjamin Sesko’s hold-up work in the buildup as this allowed red shirts to flood forward, Youri Tielemans feeding Lacey. The report also notes that this was eight minutes in and less than 120 seconds later Mason Mount doubled United’s advantage. The report also notes that again inside the area, rashford’s pace and drive took him clear along the left.
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