Manchester United’s Problems Deepen After Squandering Two-Goal Lead Against Brighton in League Cup
Manchester United’s problems grew as Manchester United was knocked out of the League Cup after losing a two‑goal advantage in a 3–2 loss to Brighton on Wednesday.
Against criticism of Manchester United’s summer transfer deals Michael Carrick’s choice to change eight players showed the squad’s lack of depth.
Match highlight
At least Shea Lacey gave hope for Manchester United’s future unlike the rated young player JJ Gabriel, who is said to want to leave Old Trafford.
The 19‑year‑old midfielder showed why Michael Carrick trusted him after eight minutes. When he received the ball inside Brighton’s penalty area Shea Lacey scored his senior goal for Manchester United with a precise finish into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later Mason Mount doubled Manchester United’s lead firing a ball into the corner after Marcus Rashford’s shot was saved by Jason Steele.
Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses came back in first‑half stoppage time when Charalampos Kostoulas took advantage of poor marking by Ayden Heaven to beat Karl Darlow.
The goal unsettled Manchester United and Brighton made it level in the minute when Pascal Gross controlled Luka Vuskovic’s header before finishing from close range.
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United fell into confusion. Brighton scored again five minutes later. Maxim De Cuyper received Kostoulas’ pass. Finished neatly from six metres after Manchester United’s defence let up.
Michael Carrick brought on Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha late. Manchester United could not find a way to equalise.
Brighton have now eliminated Manchester United from two cup competitions in nine months after winning at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in January.
This was the time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost at home after leading 2–0.
