Heartbreak: Manchester United
Manchester United have been dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the first time of asking after giving up a two-goal lead to Brighton, losing 3-2 at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have suffered heartbreak in this competition before. Their now infamous shootout defeat away at Grimsby Town last season is among the lowest moments of the club’s recent history.
Those bitter memories have now been brought back to the fore with a similarly chastening result.
Michael Carrick has replaced the man responsible for the Grimsby loss, but while he has reversed the mood around the club, he has not been able to deliver Carabao Cup success. After a summer of significant investment, he may soon face some awkward questions regarding his suitability for this job.
Under pressure: Michael Carrick
He named a rotated side as Brighton visited Old Trafford, handing a full debut to Shea Lacey after the week of controversy surrounding another young forward in JJ Gabriel.
It appeared an astute selection as the 19-year-old cut in off the right flank and fired an opener home after just eight minutes.
Mason Mount doubled their advantage barely 90 seconds later, volleying a loose ball beyond Jason Steele as Brighton struggled to get their bearings.
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That was about the extent of United’s joy on the night, though. Brighton grew into the tie and pushed hard to pull one back, eventually doing so through Charalampos Kostoulas after Jaouen Hadjam’s long ball caught Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro napping.
Winner: Maxim De Cuyper’s second-half goal sealed victory for Brighton
Alarm bells began to ring with 20 minutes of the second half played as Pascal Gross drew his side level, again capitalising on slack defending as he meandered into the box and fired low beyond Karl Darlow.
It was at this stage that Carrick broke the emergency glass, throwing Bryan Mbeumo, Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha into the fray.
But it was Brighton’s substitutes who had a more immediate impact as Maxim de Cuyper buried the winner just four minutes later.
Bruno Fernandes was thrown on with United’s immediate future in the competition very much in doubt, but even the Portuguese talisman was unable to spare his side’s blushes as they made an ignominious exit from the Carabao Cup.