Manchester United Knocked Out of Carabao Cup by Brighton

Manchester United's Carabao Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Boos echoed around Old Trafford as Brighton overturned a two-goal deficit to secure their progression.

Manchester United took an early lead with goals from Shea Lacey in his first start and Mason Mount. However, Brighton responded with strikes from Charalampos Kostoulas just before halftime, and Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper in the second half to seal the victory. This marks the second consecutive season United have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the earliest stage.

Despite the promising start, a nervousness permeated the United squad. Brighton pulled a goal back through Kostoulas in first-half stoppage time. In the second half, Gross equalized in the 65th minute, and De Cuyper scored the decisive goal four minutes later.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Karl Darlow (5): Made his United debut but was indecisive on Brighton's first goal and often misplaced his positioning. Diogo Dalot (4): Struggled to contain Brighton's threat down his flank and his clearance led to Brighton's second goal. Leny Yoro (5): Made key interceptions but appeared lost for Brighton's third goal. He did make a crucial block late on. Ayden Heaven (4): Had a difficult night, hesitant on the first goal and not alert for the third. Noussair Mazraoui (5): Played reasonably well at left back before Brighton exposed his lack of pace for the winning goal. Youri Tielemans (7): United's standout player, providing the assist for Lacey's goal and making a crucial defensive intervention. Andrey Santos (5): A rare start, he made some interceptions but did not make a compelling case for more regular appearances. Shea Lacey (6): Scored a stunning first senior goal on his first career start for United. Mason Mount (5): Scored United's second goal but became a non-factor afterward. Marcus Rashford (6): His pace was a threat, but he missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity. Benjamin Sesko (4): Showed some clever touches but failed to register a shot on goal before being substituted.

Manager Michael Carrick (4): Demanded more intensity from his players as the game slipped away, but his efforts were in vain, increasing the pressure on his position.

Substitutes: Kobbie Mainoo (6), Bryan Mbeumo (6), Joshua Zirkzee (5), Bruno Fernandes (6), Matheus Cunha (N/A).

Brighton's lineup included Steele (7) in goal, with a defense of Costinha (5), Struijk (6), Vuskovic (5), and Hadjam (6). The midfield comprised Boscagli (6), Gross (8), and Chema (6), while the attack featured O’Riley (7), Kostoulas (7), and Yalcouye (6). Goals were scored by Kostoulas, Gross, and De Cuyper. Manager Fabian Hurzeler (8) was praised for his team's performance.

The match was attended by 73,670 spectators.