Manchester United's run of early cup exits continued on Wednesday night , as a 2-0 lead inside ten minutes turned into a 3-2 home defeat to Brighton in the third round of the EFL Cup. It marked United's first home collapse from two goals up in half a century.

A Lead Thrown Away at Old Trafford

Shea Lacey and Mason Mount had United flying, putting the hosts 2-0 up before the game was even ten minutes old. Brighton, who made six changes for the tie, steadily clawed their way back. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back just before half-time, before Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper struck in the 56th and 69th minutes to complete the turnaround. United did not register another shot on target until the 76th minute.

A Result That Rewrites the History Books

The defeat is United's first at Old Trafford after leading by two or more goals in over 50 years, with the previous such collapse coming against Tottenham back in September 1976. It is also their first home loss after holding a half-time lead since May 1984. The result means United have now been in their opening tie of the League Cup for the second season running, following last term's exit to Grimsby Town, and it extends their run to three straight domestic cup eliminations.

Boos, Frustration, and Mounting Pressure

Supporters made their feelings known at the final whistle. Many left before the customary lap of appreciation, while others stayed behind near the tunnel to confront Michael Carrick and his players. Carrick did not shy away from the criticism afterwards, saying he understood the fans' frustration and accepted full responsibility for how his side had performed. The head coach now finds himself under mounting scrutiny, with United having won just two of their opening six matches this season and taken only four points from four Premier League games. For a club without a trophy since the 2023/24 season, another early cup exit is the last thing Carrick needed.