Carabao Cup: Inconsistent Man United crumble to Brighton at Old Trafford + EFL results
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineManchester United’s inconsistent run continued on Wednesday night as they surrendered a two-goal lead before crashing to a 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
The result compounded a difficult spell for Michael Carrick’s side, who appeared to have the tie under control after scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes.
Shea Lacey marked his first senior start by putting United ahead after eight minutes, while Mason Mount doubled the advantage just two minutes later.
Brighton, however, refused to fold and began their comeback in first-half stoppage time when Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back.
Pascal Groß then restored parity in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper completed the turnaround four minutes later, leaving Old Trafford stunned and sending Brighton into the fourth round.
The collapse also ended a remarkable half-century record, with United losing at home after taking a two-goal lead for the first time since 1976, when Tottenham Hotspur produced a similar comeback.
Carrick introduced captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining as United searched for a way back into the contest, but Brighton held firm to secure one of the most striking results of the third round.
The defeat comes shortly after United’s heavy loss in the Manchester derby and further highlights their recent struggles in domestic cup competition.
Also Read:
- Carabao Cup: Inconsistent Man United crumble to Brighton at Old Trafford + EFL results
- Ekiti First Lady renews scholarship for 50 indigent pupils, distributes school items
- Abacha’s son emerges Kano PDP guber candidate
- I regret delaying telcos’ entry into financial services — Sanusi
- N1,470/litre; Tinubu economic policy pushing Nigerians to breaking point — ADC
Elsewhere, Fleetwood Town produced another notable upset by eliminating Championship side Sheffield United with a 1-0 victory.
Rhys Norrington-Davies’ own goal in the 57th minute proved decisive as the League Two club secured their place in the fourth round, where they will host Arsenal.
Aston Villa also avoided an upset at Coventry City, securing a 3-1 victory.
Ross Barkley opened the scoring before Victor Torp levelled for Coventry. Tammy Abraham restored Villa’s lead before completing his brace to settle the contest.
Everton also progressed after edging Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, with substitute Charly Alcaraz breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute.
Wolves, who made nine changes for the cup tie, were unable to find an equaliser as Everton held on.
The third-round schedule concludes on Thursday when Manchester City host Norwich City, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm UK time.
The fourth-round draw has already produced Fleetwood Town versus Arsenal, while Everton will face Newcastle United and Brighton will meet the winner of Manchester City’s tie with Norwich.
EFL results
Man United 2-3 Brighton
Coventry City 1-3 Aston Villa
Everton 1-0 Wolves
Fleetwood Town 1-0 Sheffield United
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']