50-years-Old Record Broken: Man Utd Suffer Historic Carabao Cup Collapse Against Brighton

Manchester United suffered a painful Carabao Cup exit on Wednesday after throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose to Brighton at Old Trafford.

The defeat ended a 50-year record for United. The last time the club lost at home after taking a two-goal lead was in 1976, when Sir Alex Ferguson was still managing St Mirren.

United’s latest setback came only days after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, increasing the pressure around Michael Carrick and his players.

Fans showed their anger after the final whistle. Many supporters left the stadium before the players completed their traditional lap of appreciation, while others stayed behind to boo the team and question the players as they headed towards the tunnel.

Carrick made eight changes to his starting XI, with teenager Shea Lacey among those given an opportunity. The youngster made the most of his chance by scoring in the eighth minute with a well-taken finish.

The goal made Lacey the first teenager to score on his first Manchester United start since Marcus Rashford achieved the feat in 2016.

However, United struggled to maintain control of the match. Brighton gradually took charge and eventually completed the comeback.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said his team deserved the victory.

“The longer the game went, the more we had control. I thought we deserved to win,” he said.

Carrick did not disagree with that assessment, admitting that his team had not produced enough to prevent another disappointing result.

United have now lost three games this season, while they have recorded only two victories. The latest defeat also ended their hopes of winning the Carabao Cup.

Carrick said he was particularly disappointed for Lacey, whose impressive first start was overshadowed by the team’s collapse.

“It’s a shame that Shea’s moment, such a great moment for him, for his family, his friends and the whole academy, gets a bit lost, unfortunately,” Carrick said.

The United manager also spoke about 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who had been expected to make his senior debut. Carrick said the club must be careful with the youngster because of his age and wellbeing.

“He’s a young boy, he’s 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players, their welfare, their wellbeing, their exposure, we’ve got to be really conscious of that,” he said.

Despite the growing criticism, Carrick insisted he does not feel under pressure.

“I don’t feel under pressure,” he said. “What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and a good feeling around the group to know we’re moving in a good direction.”

United now have one match left before the international break, with Fulham waiting at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

After a difficult few weeks, another poor result could increase the pressure around the club.