Brighton completes stunning turnaround to dump Manchester United out of EFL Cup

Brighton and Hove Albion came from two goals behind against Manchester United. | Photo Credit: AP

Manchester United blew a two-goal lead against Brighton and Hove Albion as the Seagulls completed a stunning turnaround to knock Michael Carrick’s side out of the EFL Cup 2026-27.

This is United’s second defeat in as many games after it lost the Manchester derby to local rival Manchester City in controversial circumstances on Sunday.

It is also the first time United has lost a home game after leading by two goals in 50 years.

Carrick’s side had made a positive start to the match, racing into a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. Academy graduate Shea Lacey opened the scoring with a well-taken goal before Mason Mount pounced on a rebound from Marcus Rashford’s blocked effort to double the advantage.

However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side produced a stirring second-half comeback to stun the host. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back just before the half-time break, before captain Pascal Gross levelled after the hour mark with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box.

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The winner eventually came from substitute Maxim de Cuyper, who tucked away a cutback to send the Seagulls through to the next round.

This is the second year in a row that United has exited the competition at the first possible opportunity, having been knocked out by Grimsby Town last year.

Brighton will now play the winner of Manchester City’s clash against Norwich City on Thursday.