Manchester United suffered another painful domestic cup exit after Brighton fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford and reach the Carabao Cup last 16.
United appeared to be cruising after goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount inside the opening 10 minutes, but Brighton produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to leave Michael Carrick’s side stunned.
The defeat also ended a remarkable 50-year record for United, who had not previously lost at home after taking a two-goal lead since Tottenham came from behind to win 3-2 in 1976.
Brighton complete stunning comeback
Lacey marked his first senior start by giving United the lead after just eight minutes, finishing well to give the home side an early advantage.
Mount doubled the lead two minutes later, driving home the rebound after Marcus Rashford’s effort had been blocked.
Brighton, however, refused to fold. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back shortly before half-time, giving the visitors renewed hope going into the break.
Pascal Gross then brought Brighton level after finding space on the edge of the area before turning and firing beyond Karl Darlow, who was making his United debut.
Four minutes later, Brighton completed the turnaround. Kostoulas became provider, cutting the ball back for substitute Maxim de Cuyper to finish and put the visitors ahead.
United booed after another cup setback
Carrick introduced captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining as United searched for a way back into the contest.
Rashford came close to an equaliser, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele made the save to preserve his side’s advantage.
At the other end, Darlow had to deny Diego Gomez from adding a fourth for Brighton as United struggled to recover.
The result leaves United facing a third successive domestic cup elimination after last season’s defeat by League Two side Grimsby in the EFL Cup and Brighton’s FA Cup victory at Old Trafford in January.
Brighton’s travelling supporters celebrated wildly at the final whistle, while United’s home crowd responded with boos after another difficult night for Carrick and his players.
