Full Breakdown
Manchester United’s 3-2 Collapse to Brighton Ends Carabao Cup Run
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The Match: Brighton Turn a 2-0 Lead into a 3-2 Victory
On September 16, 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester United led 2-0 inside the first ten minutes through academy graduate Shea Lacey (8´) and Mason Mount (10´). Brighton & Hove Albion equalised when Charalampos Kostoulas scored in first-half stoppage time, before Pascal Gross levelled in the 65th minute and Maxim De Cuyper secured the winner in the 70th minute. United’s late substitutions – including Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha – could not restore the lead, and the home crowd booed at full-time.
Background & Context
The defeat marked United’s third loss in six competitive matches and their second consecutive early exit from the League (Carabao) Cup, following a penalty shoot-out loss to Grimsby Town the previous season. The side entered the tie after a controversial 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League derby three days earlier, heightening pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Brighton 3 – 2 Manchester United.
- Goal timeline: United (8´ Lacey, 10´ Mount); Brighton (45+1´ Kostoulas, 65´ Gross, 70´ De Cuyper).
- Historic note: Reuters reported it was the first time since September 1976 that United lost at Old Trafford after leading by two goals – a 50-year streak broken.
- League standing after the match: United sat 13th in the Premier League with one win from four games.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that United must “be better” and focus on the upcoming Premier League fixture.
Criticism & Opposition
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp criticised United’s defensive display, stating that “the inexperience of the two young centre-backs definitely showed” and that
Verbatim Quotes
- “It doesn’t feel good at the moment, let me tell you,” — Brighton. Michael Carrick, united coach
- “The inexperience of the two young centre-backs definitely showed,” — Jamie Redknapp
- “It’s toxic at Old Trafford. Man United fans are singing: ‘What the f*** was that?” — Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz
- “For me, trophies is the beauty and the feeling of winning, is what we are in football for, what we are in sport for. And certainly what made this club for us to try and win,” — Brighton. Michael Carrick, united coach
- “We’ve got to move on, we’ve still got to look at it for ourselves and we’ve got to win games,” — Brighton. Michael Carrick, united coach
What’s Next
United travel to Fulham on September 20 for a Premier League match that will test whether the squad can halt the slide after the cup exit. The fixture is scheduled as part of a “Super Sunday” double-header.