League Cup - Manchester United eliminated by Brighton in their opening match after a rollercoaster of a game (3-2)

After their derby defeat last Sunday, Manchester United's woes continued on Wednesday night. The Red Devils were eliminated from the League Cup in their opening match by Brighton, despite leading 2-0 after just ten minutes. Aston Villa won the other Premier League clash of the evening, defeating Coventry 3-1.

Manchester United were knocked out of the League Cup in their first match, their heads hanging low, after a stunning 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Wednesday at home. The Red Devils delighted Old Trafford by scoring twice in the first ten minutes before completely losing their grip on the game, just three days after their 1-0 derby loss to Manchester City while playing with a man advantage.

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Michael Carrick fielded a largely revamped team, which included young players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in central defense, and 19-year-old Shea Lacey on the right wing. The latter was so eager to make his first start that he scored eight minutes after kickoff with a determined shot that gave Jason Steele no chance (8th minute, 1-0).

A few seconds later, the Seagulls' No. 2 goalkeeper did block an attempt by Marcus Rashford, but Mason Mount was on hand to pounce (10th, 2-0).

Brighton did not give up and their good intentions were rewarded in three stages: first by Charalampos Kostoulas, quicker than Heaven (45th+6, 2-1), then by Pascal Gross, full of composure to eliminate Yoro with a quick dribble (65th, 2-2), and finally by Maxim de Cuyper within a defense that was still overwhelmed (70th, 2-3).

Carrick called on his captain Bruno Fernandes for help, but Rashford, well played through by the Portuguese midfielder, lost his one-on-one with Steele (77th minute).

Villa advances, Everton too

Aston Villa won the other all-Premier League match of the evening, in Coventry (3-1), with the help of a very effective Tammy Abraham.

Nicolas Jackson's usual backup, in the centre-forward position, scored a brace which gives a boost to Unai Emery's team, second to last in the league after a disastrous start (no wins in four games, only one goal scored).

Two Championship (D2) teams were eliminated: Wolverhampton, against Everton (1-0), and Sheffield United, eliminated by a 4th division team, Fleetwood Town (1-0).