Man Utd player ratings: Lacey hit superb opener but Reds lost way with woeful defending in 3-2 loss

Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead in the Carabao Cup to crash out 3-2 against Brighton at home.

United made a flying start, with Shea Lacey scoring a superb opener after just eight minutes on his first start for the club.

Mason Mount then doubled the advantage only two minutes later, leaving United in complete control of the tie.

But they failed to build on that early dominance and Brighton gradually worked their way back into the game.

Charalampos Kostoulas capitalised on a Karl Darlow mistake to pull one back before half-time, before Pascal Gross levelled the scores after the break.

United were suddenly under serious pressure and substitute Maxim De Cuyper completed the turnaround, leaving the Reds to reflect on a hugely disappointing night after surrendering a two-goal lead at home.

Karl Darlow – 3

A nightmare evening for the goalkeeper. Slow off his line to collect a long ball over the top, allowing Kostoulas to get there first and score. Had also flapped at a corner earlier in the half and looked unconvincing throughout.

Diogo Dalot – 4

A difficult week continued for the right-back after another poor display. Was repeatedly troubled by Malick Yalcouye’s pace and looked rattled whenever the Brighton winger ran at him.

Leny Yoro – 4

Can look like a Rolls-Royce one minute and shaky the next. One promising dribble out from the back ended with a tame loss of possession that put United under unnecessary pressure.

Ayden Heaven – 3

Kostoulas appeared to relish the physical battle with Heaven and ultimately got the better of it. Played the striker onside for Brighton’s first goal and was too careless in possession at times.

Noussair Mazraoui – 3

No more convincing than Dorgu had been at left-back. Took a heavy knock in the first half and was visibly struggling for a spell afterwards. Was torn apart in the build-up to Brighton’s third.

Andrey Santos – 5

Was well positioned to make a couple of useful interceptions, but his work in possession was far less convincing. Has not yet managed to build on what was an encouraging pre-season.

Youri Tielemans: Captain for the night and had a hand in the first goal but spent a lot of the game watching Brighton's players pass it around him. Did produce one lovely shoulder drop in midfield. 5

Shea Lacey: A superb goal and a wonderful moment for the teenager, who started the game very strongly. Capable of carrying the ball up the pitch down the right flank. 7

Mason Mount: Took his goal superbly but did very little after that and offered neither control nor penetration as the No.10. One shot from 70 yards summed up the desperation. 5

Marcus Rashford: Played a big role in the second goal and most notable was his desire to win the ball back high up the pitch. Caused Costinha plenty of problems but lacked an end product and wasted a golden one-on-one chance. 5

Benjamin Sesko: Felt he was fouled in the build-up to the first Brighton goal, but should have been stronger. Could have beaten Steele in a foot race as well. 5

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo: Better than the rest in midfield. 6

Bryan Mbeumo: Didn't see much of the ball. 5 Joshua Zirkzee: JJ Gabriel would probably have made more of an impact. 4

Bruno Fernandes: Will never get a night off at this rate. 6

Matheus Cunha: Little time to make an impact. 6