Manchester United suffered another early Carabao Cup exit as Brighton & Hove Albion rallied to win 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. United had taken a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes but could not hang on as Brighton scored three unanswered goals.
United Make Dream Start
Manchester United appeared to be in complete control in the first half. Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving his first start for the club with a goal.
Just two minutes later, Mason Mount doubled United’s advantage. Brighton had a tough job at Old Trafford with the home side 2-0 ahead after only 10 minutes from the start.
United, however, could not maintain their early momentum.
Brighton Begin Their Fightback
Brighton pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time through Charalampos Kostoulas, giving the visitors renewed belief before the break.
The goal changed the momentum of the contest. Brighton came back for the second half with greater attacking intent, but United couldn’t create any further clear opportunities.
According to Sky Sports, United did not make another shot on target until the 76th minute.
Two Goals Turn the Match Around
Brighton's comeback was completed with two goals in the second half.
Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute before substitute Maxim De Cuyper scored the decisive goal four minutes later. De Cuyper's 69th-minute strike completed Brighton's turnaround and took the visitors ahead for the first time.
United were unable to find an equaliser, and the home fans were left disappointed at the final whistle.
@F__79i pic.twitter.com/swqIYAS1q4
— 🐐 (@FLICK9w) September 16, 2026
Second Consecutive Early Carabao Cup Exit
The defeat means Manchester United has been eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle for the second consecutive season.
Last season, United were beaten by fourth-tier Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round. It is also United’s third consecutive domestic cup loss, the last one was in January 2026 in the FA Cup against Brighton.
A Historic Collapse at Old Trafford
The result also produced a remarkable statistic. United had not previously lost at Old Trafford after taking a 2-0 lead since September 1976 when Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to win 3-2.
The latest defeat therefore ended a 50-year run in which United had not lost at home after establishing a two-goal advantage.
