Brighton secured a 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, ending a 50‑year record of United never losing after taking a two‑goal lead at home. The match saw Brighton take an early 2-0 advantage through Shea Lacey’s first senior start and Mason Mount’s rebound from a blocked Marcus Rashford effort. United responded before the break with Charalampos Kostoulas, but the hosts levelled early in the second half when Pascal Gross finished a low shot from the edge of the area. Kostoulas then set up substitute Maxim de Cuyper for the decisive third goal, while United’s captain Bruno Fernandes was brought on with 18 minutes remaining in an attempt to equalise.
The win marks the first time United have led by two goals at home and lost since a 1976 defeat to Tottenham, and represents a third consecutive domestic cup exit for the club. Brighton’s goalkeeper Karl Darlow, making his United debut, kept out late attempts from Diego Gomez and Jason Steele, preserving the lead.
In other third‑round action, Aston Villa defeated Coventry City 3-1, with Tammy Abraham scoring twice. Everton edged Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 thanks to a late substitute goal from Charly Alcaraz, while Fleetwood Town secured a 1-0 win over Sheffield United after an own goal by Rhys Norrington‑Davies.
Villa will travel to Bournemouth for the fourth round, and Everton will host Newcastle United. Fleetwood Town will face Arsenal at home.
The results leave Brighton, Aston Villa, Everton and Fleetwood Town as the Carabao Cup fourth‑round qualifiers, while Manchester United head into a period of reflection after their historic defeat.
