Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton and crash out of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount had Michael Carrick’s side 2-0 ahead inside ten minutes before Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Groß and Maxim De Cuyper completed a remarkable Brighton comeback.
United’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton leaves Carrick facing more questions after another damaging result.
Here are the ReadManUtd player ratings.
Man Utd player ratings vs Brighton
Karl Darlow – 4
A difficult United debut. Made a few useful interventions early on but was beaten three times and never looked particularly secure once Brighton began building pressure. Kostoulas’ first-half goal went through him, while he could do little about De Cuyper’s winner. Brighton exposed the lack of protection in front of him.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Started brightly enough but his influence deteriorated with the rest of United’s performance. A poor clearance helped Brighton build the move which ended with Groß equalising. Another uncomfortable evening after the derby defeat.
Leny Yoro – 4
Looked uncertain on his first start of the season. Distribution became increasingly loose and Brighton found it too easy to attack the spaces around him. Groß was able to get away from the Frenchman during the second-half collapse.
Ayden Heaven – 3.5
The toughest evening of United’s young back line. Lost concentration for Brighton’s first goal as Kostoulas escaped behind him before finishing through Darlow. Also gave Brighton encouragement earlier when Matt O’Riley dispossessed him.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
Another defender who struggled as Brighton took control. Could not stop the attack which produced the winner, with Kostoulas’ delivery deflecting off him before falling to De Cuyper. Offered too little going forward to compensate.
Andrey Santos – 6
One of the steadier United performers. Provided energy and defensive work alongside Tielemans without completely imposing himself in possession. Withdrawn after 66 minutes as Carrick searched for a route back into the game.
Youri Tielemans – 6.5
Captained the side and played the pass which released Lacey for United’s opener. Had several ambitious attempts from distance and helped United control the early stages, but even his influence faded as Brighton took command after half-time.
Shea Lacey – 7.5
United’s clear positive.
The 19-year-old scored a superb first senior goal on his full competitive debut, beating his defender before firing beyond Jason Steele in the eighth minute. Showed confidence, directness and personality before being replaced after 66 minutes.
Lacey had already been one of the major talking points before the tie in ReadManUtd’s latest Manchester United briefing.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Marked his return with United’s second goal, reacting quickly after Rashford’s effort was saved. Worked hard behind Sesko and produced several encouraging moments before coming off for Bruno Fernandes after 73 minutes.
Marcus Rashford – 6
His pressing helped create Mount’s goal and he looked dangerous when running directly at Brighton during United’s best spell.
But the big moment came late on. Rashford went through with the chance to make it 3-3 and was denied by Steele when United desperately needed him to finish.
Benjamin Sesko – 5.5
Played an important part in Lacey’s opener with good hold-up play, but United struggled to consistently involve him after that.
There were promising runs in behind, although he also passed up opportunities to move the ball quicker before Brighton’s momentum grew.
Sesko’s starting role had been discussed before kick-off following Gary Lineker’s comments on his Manchester United opportunities.
Man Utd substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Replaced Santos after 66 minutes and tried to give United more control. Saw plenty of the ball without producing the decisive opening Carrick needed.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5
Introduced for Lacey at the same time but struggled to become involved as Brighton defended their lead.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4.5
Replaced Sesko with United chasing the game. Failed to provide the focal point needed and could not turn Cunha’s late deliveries into an equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes – 5.5
Carrick turned to his captain after 73 minutes. Added urgency and delivered several late balls into the area, but even Fernandes could not rescue the tie. Sky Sports confirms he replaced Mount for the closing stages.
Matheus Cunha – 5.5
Introduced for Rashford after 80 minutes and immediately looked to deliver into dangerous areas. Too little time to materially alter the outcome.
Lacey the one bright spot in damaging defeat
Lacey’s emergence is the obvious positive.
His goal capped a confident full debut and offered another reminder of United’s academy quality.
But the collective collapse overshadows it.
United went from 2-0 ahead after ten minutes to 3-2 behind by the 69th, with Brighton exploiting increasingly fragile defending as Carrick’s side lost control.
That is ultimately why the defenders receive the lowest marks.
Man Utd 2-3 Brighton: Two-goal lead thrown away in cup collapse
Man Utd 2-3 Brighton: Two-goal lead thrown away in cup collapse
Man Utd vs Brighton Lineups: Sesko Starts in Carabao Cup
Man Utd vs Brighton Lineups: Sesko Starts in Carabao Cup