Manchester United suffered a stunning and dramatic exit from the League Cup, throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford.

The hosts made a flying start and appeared to have the tie under control. Youngster Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Mason Mount doubled United's advantage just two minutes later. But Brighton refused to fold. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back to give the visitors a lifeline.

The momentum shifted completely after the break. The Seagulls took control and were rewarded when Pascal Gross levelled the score in the 65th minute. Just four minutes later, substitute Maxim De Cuyper completed the remarkable turnaround, firing Brighton into a 3-2 lead.

Manchester United could find no response despite a series of late substitutions, including the introduction of Bruno Fernandes. The final whistle confirmed one of the most remarkable collapses at Old Trafford in recent memory.

It was a particularly painful defeat for United: for the first time in 50 years, they had lost a home match after taking a two-goal lead.

Manchester United 2-3 Brighton (2-1)
Goals: Lacey 8', Mount 10' — Kostoulas 45+1', Gross 65', De Cuyper 70'