Manchester United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening after suffering a shocking 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manager Michael Carrick made eight changes to his starting XI, with club captain Bruno Fernandes among those dropped to the bench.
The Red Devils looked set for a comfortable night when Shea Lacey and Mason Mount struck within 120 seconds of each other to put the hosts 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes.
However, the game quickly turned on its head, with Brighton taking complete control after the 20-minute mark.
A disastrous defensive display allowed the Seagulls to claw one back through Charalampos Kostoulas and breathe life into the contest.
Brighton then completed a stunning turnaround as Pascal Gross and Maxime De Cuyper struck within four minutes of each other to send the visitors 3-2 ahead.
Carrick threw Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes into the fray in a desperate attempt to rescue United, but the substitutes failed to spark a comeback.
The damaging defeat leaves the future of the 45-year-old manager under intense scrutiny.
**Karl Darlow – 2/10**
Was caught in no-man’s land for Brighton’s first goal and conceded almost every time there was a shot on goal.
**Diogo Dalot – 2/10**
Terribly switched off for the first goal. His poor clearance allowed to Brighton to level the score.
As one of United’s senior players, Dalot should be taking responsibility, but he once again failed to impose himself when his team needed him.
**Leny Yoro – 2/10**
Too eager to commit to tackles, and when he misses, it leaves huge spaces behind him.
He was all over the place for both the second and third goals. Yoro has blown a big opportunity to impress.
**Ayden Heaven – 1/10**
Tried to win the ball but gave it away in a dangerous position. His defending for the opening goal was terrible, as he failed to cover the space and left United exposed.
He was at fault again for the third goal and may struggle to earn another start anytime soon.
**Noussair Mazraoui – 4/10**
Played a key role in the opening two United goals but looked far less assured than usual on the left side.
His right-footedness was evident, with the makeshift left-back struggling to look comfortable in possession and defensively.
**Andrey Santos – 3/10**
Made a few safe passes but failed to bring any real control or authority to the midfield. Chelsea may feel they won the battle by pocketing £50 million for him.
**Youri Tielemans** **– 5/10**
Led the side out and assisted Lacey inside the opening 10 minutes. Produced a marvellous tackle inside the box to thwart a dangerous attack.
However, the players around him never truly stepped up, leaving Tielemans with too much responsibility in midfield.
**Mason Mount – 5/10**
Started in a more attacking position and doubled United’s lead with a good finish. Attempted a worldie, but the execution was very poor.
Never played an incisive pass forward to live up to the expectations of a number 10.
**Shea Lacey – 8/10**
Scored a magnificent goal on his maiden start for the United first team. It was a trademark goal from Lacey, who skipped past two defenders before firing a left-footed strike into the net.
Won a yellow-card foul after some masterful trickery to beat his marker.
**Marcus Rashford – 4/10**
Won the ball back and dribbled past three defenders in the build-up to the second goal. Should have made it 3-3 after Fernandes played him through with a graceful touch.
**Benjamin Sesko – 3/10**
Had a night to forget. Sesko gifted Brighton possession in the build-up to their first goal on the stroke of half-time.
He was also partly culpable for the second, making his overall display particularly disappointing.
**Joshua Zirkzee – 2/10**
Gave away the ball with almost every touch.
**Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10**
Failed to control the drama around him.
**Bryan Mbeumo – 4/10**
Made no impact.
**Bruno Fernandes – 5/10**
Created a great chance for Rashford.
**Matheus Cunha – NA**
Too late to rate.
