Manchester United suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, September 16, 2026, despite taking a two-goal lead in the third round of the League Cup.
United made a fast start, with academy graduate Shea Lacey opening the scoring in the eighth minute before Mason Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later.
Brighton began their comeback in first-half stoppage time when Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one goal back.
The visitors completed the turnaround after the break. Pascal Groß equalised in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper scored the winning goal four minutes later.
The defeat marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost at Old Trafford after leading by two goals. The last similar occasion was in September 1976, when Tottenham Hotspur defeated United by the same 3–2 scoreline.
Brighton’s victory sent them through to the last 16 of the League Cup, while United’s hopes of winning the domestic competition ended in the third round.
The result adds to a difficult start to the season for Michael Carrick’s side. United had already lost 1–0 to Manchester City in the Premier League derby at the weekend and were sitting 13th in the league table with four points from four matches.
Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse, particularly the team’s second-half performance.
“We can’t accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it,” Carrick told Sky Sports.
The manager will now be expected to find a response when Manchester United return to Premier League action against Fulham.
The loss also continues United’s recent struggles in domestic cup competitions. The club were eliminated by Grimsby Town on penalties in the League Cup last season and later lost 2–1 at home to Brighton in the FA Cup.
