Five talking points as Man United exit the Carabao Cup in Brighton defeat
Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit exposed five key concerns, from poor game management to Brighton’s dominance and Šeško’s struggle for a starting role.
Manchester United’s difficult start to the 2026/27 season took another turn for the worse on Wednesday night as Brighton came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford and knock Michael Carrick’s side out of the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils looked to be heading towards a comfortable victory after Shea Lacey and Mason Mount struck inside the opening 10 minutes, but Brighton gradually turned the game around.
Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit shortly before half-time before Pascal Gross equalised after the break. Maxim De Cuyper then completed the comeback to send the Seagulls into the next round.
The defeat once again highlighted United’s problems when it comes to protecting leads and controlling matches.
Carrick’s side have already dropped points after being ahead this season, while their latest collapse came against a Brighton team that has become a particularly difficult opponent.
The Seagulls have now beaten United eight times in their last 12 meetings, continuing their impressive recent record against the Manchester club. Wednesday’s result also ended United’s hopes of making progress in the Carabao Cup after they had hoped to use the competition to recover from their disappointing start.
Five talking points as Brighton haunt United again
1. Brighton’s Old Trafford dominance continues
Brighton have developed an impressive record against Manchester United in recent seasons, and Wednesday’s victory added another chapter to that story. The Seagulls had already defeated United at Old Trafford and eliminated them from the FA Cup last season.
Their recent victories also include the first league match of Erik ten Hag’s reign and a 4-0 triumph in 2022. Even falling two goals behind could not prevent Brighton from extending their remarkable run against the Red Devils.
2. United fail another game-management test
United’s inability to control matches remains a major concern. Their early two-goal advantage suggested that they had put themselves in an ideal position, but defensive lapses and a loss of control allowed Brighton back into the contest.
Charalampous Kostoulas’ goal before half-time changed the mood, while Pascal Gross’ equaliser exposed further weaknesses. Maxim De Cuyper’s winner completed a collapse that will increase scrutiny on Carrick and his players.
3. Lacey makes his mark despite the defeat
One of the few positives for United was Shea Lacey’s performance. The 19-year-old was handed his first start of the season and needed only eight minutes to open his senior scoring account.
Lacey cut inside from the right before finding the near corner with a left-footed finish. His goal was particularly notable given his previous difficult experience against Brighton, when he was sent off after coming on as a substitute.
4. JJ Gabriel’s absence adds another talking point
The situation surrounding JJ Gabriel provided another storyline before kick-off. The highly rated academy prospect had been expected to make his senior debut against Brighton, but reports of uncertainty over his future meant he was not involved.
15-year-old Gabriel was even listed on the matchday programme, making his absence particularly notable. His situation now represents another issue for United to address away from the pitch.
5. Sesko fails to strengthen his case
Benjamin Sesko was given an opportunity to impress after starting the match, but the striker struggled to make a significant impact before being replaced around the hour mark right after losing a duel leading to Brighton’s equalizer.
His limited involvement means questions over his position in Carrick’s preferred starting XI are unlikely to disappear. United have previously used players who are not natural centre-forwards ahead of him, making this latest opportunity important for the summer signing.
What these mean going forward?
Manchester United must now regroup after another disappointing result that compounds their difficult start to the campaign.
The Carabao Cup exit removes another route to silverware, while the manner of the defeat will increase pressure on Carrick to solve his team’s problems with game management and defensive consistency.
Brighton, meanwhile, leave Old Trafford with another comeback victory and further evidence of their recent dominance over United, ahead of an important Premier League meeting with defending champions Arsenal this weekend.
