Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead and suffered a 3-2 defeat at home against Brighton & Hove Albion in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
United started strongly, showing early dominance through their attacking players. The breakthrough came when United’s teenage forward Lacey scored on his full debut, becoming the first teenager since Marcus Rashford a decade ago to find the net at Old Trafford on a full debut. His goal was quickly followed by a second strike, courtesy of Mason Mount, who capitalized on a loose ball after a move initiated by Rashford, energizing the home crowd and suggesting a comfortable evening ahead for the hosts.
However, Brighton responded resolutely, beginning to exert pressure on United’s defense, which featured young players Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at its core. Although Karl Darlow, making his United debut in goal, managed to keep out several early attempts, Brighton’s persistence paid off just before halftime. Kostoulas seized on a long diagonal pass from Hadjam, breaking away from Heaven and calmly finishing past a hesitant Darlow to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at the interval.
Despite suggestions that United manager Michael Carrick might need to adjust his tactics during the break to halt Brighton’s momentum, no substitutions were made. Brighton continued their resurgence in the second half, equalizing in the 64th minute through a strike from Pascal Gross. The goal arose after Diogo Dalot, under pressure, inadvertently headed the ball backwards where Gross used a feint to evade Yoro before beating Darlow with a well-placed shot.
Brighton’s comeback was completed in the 69th minute when Kostoulas found space down the flank past Mazraoui and delivered a cross that deflected into the path of substitute De Cuyper, who converted to put Brighton ahead for the first time in the match. Carrick introduced Bryan Mbeumo, Josua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo in an attempt to alter the course of the game, but their efforts were insufficient to turn the result around.
United expressed frustration over a late incident in the first half when Benjamin Sesko was brought down by a challenge from Yalcouye and Boscagli, but referee Farai Hallam opted not to award a free kick, which might have been pivotal.
The defeat marks a disappointing outcome for Manchester United, who had started brightly but were unable to contain Brighton’s relentless pressure. Brighton’s second-half fightback earned them a valuable victory at a challenging venue, highlighting their growing competitiveness in the league.