Manchester United Squanders Two-Goal Lead, Exits EFL Cup

Manchester United suffered a 3–2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, resulting in their elimination from the EFL Cup in the third round. Though United took an early 2–0 lead through goals from Shola Lecey and Mason Mount, Brighton mounted a comeback with four goals to spoil United’s night. This marks the first time since 1976 that United has lost a match at Old Trafford after holding a two-goal advantage. October 1, Kathmandu.

Failing to maintain their two-goal lead, Manchester United bowed out of the English Football League (EFL) Cup in the third round. Taking the home advantage at Old Trafford, United led Brighton 2–0 before succumbing to a 3–2 loss and elimination from the tournament. In the eighth minute, young player Shola Lecey scored on his first senior team start to give United the lead. Just two minutes later, Mason Mount added another goal, pushing United ahead 2–0.

However, during first-half injury time, Charalampos Kostoulas scored for Brighton to reignite their hopes. In the 65th minute of the second half, captain Pascal Groß netted the equalizer, and four minutes later, with an assist from Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuiper scored the decisive goal, securing a win for Brighton. United’s head coach Michael Carrick brought on Bruno Fernandes in the 72nd minute, but the team was unable to find an equalizer. This defeat marks United’s third consecutive home cup loss to Brighton. Additionally, surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford is a first for United since 1976.

In other matches last night, Fleetwood defeated Sheffield United 1-0, Aston Villa overcame Coventry 3-1, and Everton secured a 1-0 win over Wolves.