Manchester United suffered a painful EFL Cup elimination after losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion, despite taking an early two-goal lead. The result also ended a 12-year unbeaten home run in matches in which United had gone into halftime ahead.
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Manchester United Eliminated From EFL Cup Opener for Second Straight Year
Manchester United suffered another early exit from the EFL Cup. The Red Devils squandered a two-goal lead and fell 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, losing their opening match of the competition for the second consecutive year.
Michael Carrick's side appeared to be heading for a comfortable night when Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored to make it 2-0 in the opening minutes of the match. However, the game changed completely as it progressed.
Manchester United Squander a Two-Goal Lead
After scoring their second goal, Manchester United lost their attacking momentum and allowed Brighton to begin taking control. The hosts went nearly 50 minutes without registering another shot on target and ultimately paid the price for their lack of intensity.
Before halftime, Charalampos Kostoulas took advantage of a long ball and a poor decision from Karl Darlow to cut the deficit. The goalkeeper hesitated when attempting to deal with the play, giving the striker enough space to make it 2-1.
The goal completely changed the atmosphere at Old Trafford. United had not lost a home match after going into halftime with the lead since the 2013-14 season.
Brighton Complete the Comeback at Old Trafford
In the second half, Brighton maintained the pressure and eventually found the equalizer. Pascal Gross beat the defense and finished past Darlow to make it 2-2.
The comeback was completed when Maxim De Cuyper scored the visitors' third goal, leaving Manchester United on the brink of elimination. Facing an early exit, Carrick turned to Bruno Fernandes off the bench in search of a response.
The Portuguese midfielder's introduction was not enough to change the result, and Brighton held on to their advantage until the final whistle.
As a result, Manchester United have been eliminated in their opening EFL Cup match for the second consecutive year, while Brighton & Hove Albion advance to the Round of 16 and will be included in the competition's next draw.
