Manchester United squandered a two-goal lead at Old Trafford and crashed out of the Carabao Cup, England's League Cup, after a 3-2 defeat by Brighton. It was the first time in 551 matches that United had lost at home after leading at half-time, a record that had stood for 50 years. Manager Michael Carrick made nine changes to his starting line-up, yet errors from young defenders Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven ultimately swung the tie in the visitors' favour. Pundit Jamie Redknapp was scathing about the back line, arguing that the side was clearly short of fitness. Pascal Gross levelled the scores at Old Trafford, a goal that stirred memories of 2022 for the home supporters.
Tellingly, United have spent £365 million on central midfielders since 2022, yet Brighton still controlled the contest, and a midfield valued at £140 million buckled under the pressure. "We're out of the cup, and the feeling around it is far heavier than simply losing a tie," Carrick admitted after the match. The defeat has left the manager under intense scrutiny. United travel to Fulham next, a fixture followed by a three-week international break, traditionally the window in which clubs are most likely to make a managerial change.
