Manchester United’s dramatic Carabao Cup exit to Brighton has dominated the latest headlines, with the 3-2 defeat raising questions over the collapse from a two-goal lead, refereeing decisions and Michael Carrick’s team selection. Away from the first team, United have also been active on the academy front, while James Milner has revealed a past approach from Old Trafford.
Here are the main Manchester United news and talking points from today.
United are out of the Carabao Cup
Manchester United will not be involved in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after Brighton came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford. In our full Carabao Cup draw story, Brighton were drawn to face either Manchester City or Norwich City.
The remaining ties include Liverpool vs Chelsea, Everton vs Newcastle, Fulham vs Crystal Palace and Bournemouth vs Aston Villa. The fourth-round matches are scheduled for the week commencing October 26.
Referee review focuses on Brighton comeback
Our referee review examines referee F. Hallam’s handling of the game as Brighton completed their comeback.
United committed five fouls and received no yellow cards, while Brighton were penalised 14 times and picked up four bookings. The three Brighton goals came through Kostoulas, Pascal Groß and Maxim De Cuyper as the visitors turned the match around.
Tactical breakdown explains United’s collapse
The tactical analysis in our full Brighton breakdown focuses on how United lost control after their excellent opening.
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored inside the first 10 minutes, but Brighton gradually took control as United dropped deeper. The visitors began dictating the rhythm through central areas, with their three goals coming from sustained build-up play rather than quick transitions or set-pieces.
Why Dorgu was missing
Patrick Dorgu was absent against Brighton because Carrick decided to rest him following the Manchester derby. As explained in our full Patrick Dorgu story, Dorgu had featured against Manchester City only a few days earlier.
With Luke Shaw still unavailable, Noussair Mazraoui started at left-back and Harry Amass was named on the bench. Dorgu’s omission was therefore not related to a fresh injury.
United close in on Noah Ajayi deal
Manchester United are set to secure the future of academy winger Noah Ajayi. Our full Noah Ajayi story reports that the 17-year-old has agreed to remain at the club and is expected to sign his first professional contract.
Ajayi has featured for the Under-18s and Under-21s and scored nine goals during the 2025/26 campaign.
James Milner reveals United approach
James Milner has revealed that Manchester United tried to sign him when he was leaving Manchester City. In our full James Milner story, the midfielder explained that he had already decided to join Liverpool and would not have entertained the move to Old Trafford.
Milner also reiterated his longstanding connection with Leeds.
Darlow ready to face Bruno
Karl Darlow could face Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes when Wales take on Portugal. In our full Darlow story, the United goalkeeper joked that he is already studying Fernandes’ penalties ahead of the Nations League meeting in Lisbon.
Darlow also confirmed that he had spoken to Fernandes about the fixture and is looking forward to facing him.
Kai Rooney reveals Martinelli influence
Kai Rooney has signed his first professional scholarship with Manchester United and has revealed Gabriel Martinelli is the player he studies most closely. As detailed in our full Kai Rooney story, Rooney said he prefers running in behind rather than playing as a traditional hold-up striker.
The 16-year-old joined United’s academy in 2020 and is now taking the next step in his development.
JJ Gabriel’s father at centre of saga
JJ Gabriel’s reported request to leave Manchester United has brought greater attention to his father, Joe O’Cearuill. In our full Joe O’Cearuill story, it is explained that O’Cearuill is a former professional footballer who now works as Gabriel’s agent.
Reports have suggested he has been involved in discussions surrounding Gabriel’s future, although those claims remain part of the wider reporting rather than an established explanation.
Three academy players sign professional deals
United have also announced professional contracts for Fred Heath, Dante Plunkett and Will Murdock. Our full academy contracts story confirms that Heath and Plunkett have signed their first professional deals, while Murdock has agreed his second contract.
Noah Ajayi could soon become another academy player to commit his future to United.
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Manchester United Out as Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw Made
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