Manchester United blew a two-goal lead as Brighton fought back to win 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday, sending Michael Carrick’s side crashing out of the League Cup in the third round.
United looked in control after Shea Lacey and Mason Mount struck within two minutes of each other to put the hosts 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes.
But Brighton refused to fold, with Charalampos Kostoulas pulling one back in first-half stoppage time before Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute.
Maxim De Cuyper completed the turnaround five minutes later, sweeping home Kostoulas’ pass from close range after another lapse in the United defence.
Carrick introduced Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha late in an attempt to rescue the game, but United could not find a response.
The defeat means United have now suffered successive home losses, following their controversial 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The latest setback piles further pressure on Carrick, who led United to third place last season during his spell as interim manager before being appointed permanently.
United have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions this season and face Fulham away in the Premier League on Sunday.
Their defensive problems were again exposed against Brighton, particularly after Carrick made eight changes to the side.
Lacey, however, provided a bright moment for United, scoring his first goal for the club after eight minutes.
The 19-year-old midfielder collected possession inside the Brighton area before firing a low finish into the bottom corner.
Mount doubled the advantage two minutes later, following up after Marcus Rashford’s effort was saved by Jason Steele.
Brighton began their comeback just before the break when Kostoulas capitalised on poor marking from Ayden Heaven to beat Karl Darlow.
Gross then brought the visitors level after controlling Luka Vuskovic’s header and finishing from close range.
De Cuyper completed the comeback in the 70th minute, leaving United stunned and their supporters booing the players off the pitch.
The result was particularly painful for United as Brighton have now eliminated them from two cup competitions in nine months, following their FA Cup victory at Old Trafford in January.
It was also United’s first home defeat after leading 2-0 in 50 years.
Elsewhere, Tammy Abraham scored twice as Aston Villa defeated Coventry City 3-1.
Ross Barkley also scored for Villa, while Victor Torp netted Coventry’s equaliser.
Everton beat Championship side Wolves 1-0 through Charly Alcaraz’s late strike, while fourth-tier Fleetwood Town reached the fourth round for the first time after defeating Sheffield United 1-0.
Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-2, Liverpool defeated Tottenham 3-1, Fulham edged West Ham 3-2 and Brentford beat Reading 2-1 on Tuesday.
Holders Manchester City host Norwich on Thursday.
