Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign ended in boos at Old Trafford as Brighton recovered from two goals down to win 3-2, days after the Red Devils’ disputed derby defeat by Manchester City.
Brighton turn Old Trafford night on its head
Michael Carrick made changes to his side, but United began as though determined to put the City setback behind them quickly. Within 10 minutes they had built a 2-0 lead against a Brighton team caught cold.
Nineteen-year-old academy prospect Shea Lacey opened the scoring after collecting the ball near the edge of the area, cutting inside and finishing neatly. Mason Mount then doubled the advantage, reacting after Marcus Rashford’s effort had been pushed back into danger.
United appeared to believe the job was done. Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, gradually found their footing and began creating openings, with the home side losing the urgency that had marked their opening spell.
Kostoulas pulled one back shortly before half-time, ensuring the visitors went into the interval with momentum rather than merely a consolation goal.
That momentum carried through the second half. Pascal Gross levelled for Brighton before De Cuyper completed the turnaround from the left-hand side, leaving Old Trafford to voice its displeasure as United were knocked out of the competition.
The result adds another difficult evening to a week in which United had already lost the Manchester derby amid controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s goal for City.
Villa find relief away from the league
Aston Villa had a more straightforward night, although Coventry City briefly threatened an upset against their Premier League visitors.
The newly promoted Coventry drew level through Torp, but Villa responded well and left with a 3-1 win. Tammy Abraham scored twice, while Ross Barkley added the other goal.
It was a useful response for Unai Emery’s side, whose league start has brought only one point from a possible 12. Cup football and the Champions League have offered a rather kinder setting: Villa have won every match they have played in both competitions so far.
SEO Title: Manchester United knocked out by Brighton as Aston Villa win
SEO Description: Brighton came from 2-0 down to beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, while Aston Villa won 3-1 at Coventry City.
