Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in painful fashion after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s side appeared in control after a rapid start, but Brighton transformed the contest and scored three unanswered goals to book their place in the last 16.
The defeat marked the first time since 1976 that United had lost a home match after going two goals ahead. The result was greeted by boos from the home crowd, while the travelling Brighton supporters celebrated another memorable cup victory in Manchester.
United had entered the game under pressure following their damaging derby loss to 10-man Manchester City, with further disruption caused by highly rated academy prospect JJ Gabriel informing the club of his intention to leave.
Carrick’s team initially produced the response he wanted.
Teenager Shea Lacey, making his first senior start, opened the scoring after eight minutes with a composed finish. Mason Mount made it 2-0 just two minutes later, reacting quickest after Marcus Rashford’s attempt had been blocked.
At that stage, United looked set for a comfortable evening.
Brighton began their recovery shortly before half-time when Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit and gave the visitors renewed momentum heading into the break.
The match then turned decisively in the second half.
Pascal Gross brought Brighton level after finding space on the edge of the penalty area. United failed to close him down quickly enough, allowing the Brighton captain to control a clearance and beat debutant goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Only four minutes later, the visitors completed the turnaround. Kostoulas created the chance this time, cutting the ball back for substitute Maxim de Cuyper to finish and put Brighton 3-2 ahead.
Carrick responded by introducing captain Bruno Fernandes with 18 minutes remaining as United pushed for an equaliser.
Rashford came close, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele prevented him from restoring parity. At the other end, Darlow was required to deny Diego Gomez and keep United within touching distance.
There was no late rescue.
The defeat continues a damaging sequence in domestic knockout competitions for United. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby last season before Brighton knocked them out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford in January.
Brighton have now inflicted another cup defeat on United, while Carrick is left facing renewed scrutiny after a collapse that turned an encouraging start into one of the most disappointing results of the season.