RismadarVoice Sports
September 16, 2026
Brighton produced a remarkable comeback at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Manchester United 3-2 and knock the Red Devils out of the EFL Cup.
Manchester United appeared to be in control after establishing a 2-0 advantage at home, but Brighton transformed the contest and fought their way back to secure a place in the fourth round.
The defeat marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost a home match in any competition after taking a two-goal lead.
The previous occasion came against Tottenham Hotspur in September 1976, when United also surrendered a 2-0 advantage before losing 3-2.
BRIGHTON COMPLETE DRAMATIC TURNAROUND
United’s early advantage ultimately proved insufficient as Brighton grew increasingly dangerous and took control of the contest.
The visitors created several opportunities during the closing stages and could have extended their advantage beyond 3-2.
Manchester United goalkeeper Karl Darlow produced an important late save to deny Diego Gomez as Brighton searched for another goal.
At the opposite end, United attempted to rescue the tie, with Bruno Fernandes among those pushing forward in the final minutes.
Marcus Rashford was also presented with an opportunity before being replaced by Mateus Cunha late in the match.
Despite five minutes of additional time, United were unable to find an equaliser.
The final whistle was greeted by boos around Old Trafford as Brighton celebrated their qualification for the next round.
UNITED SUFFER ANOTHER EARLY CUP EXIT
The result ends Manchester United’s EFL Cup campaign at their opening hurdle and adds another disappointing result to their season.
More significantly, the manner of the defeat will attract attention after United surrendered a commanding position on their own ground.
Brighton, meanwhile, advance to the fourth round following a comeback that demonstrated their resilience after falling two goals behind.
ASTON VILLA, EVERTON AND FLEETWOOD ADVANCE
Elsewhere in Wednesday’s EFL Cup action, Aston Villa secured a 3-1 victory away to Coventry City.
Tammy Abraham scored twice as Villa booked their place in the fourth round.
Everton also progressed after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, with Carlos Alcaraz scoring the decisive goal.
Fleetwood Town recorded a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, with a Rhys Norrington-Davies own goal proving decisive.
Attention now turns to the fourth-round draw as Brighton, Aston Villa, Everton and Fleetwood discover their next opponents following Wednesday night’s victories.
