Ex-refs chief re-analyses controversial Benjamin Sesko footage in Man United vs Brighton

Benjamin Sesko can have no complaints after Brighton's first goal against Manchester United was allowed to stand at Old Trafford.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that a supposed foul on the 23-year-old was too soft.

Michael Carrick's side burst into a two-goal lead on Wednesday, 16 September, thanks to quick-fire efforts from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount.

There appeared to be no way back for the visitors, at least until Charalampos Kostoulas hit back just before the half-time break.

Jaouen Hadjam won the ball back inside the Seagulls' own half before spraying it forward for the 19-year-old striker to latch onto.

However, the majority of fans inside Old Trafford felt that Brighton's left-back used far too much force to win the ball off Sesko on the halfway line.

Benjamin Sesko can have no complaints vs Brighton

Sesko was sandwiched between Hadjam and Malick Junior Yalcouye, being left in a heap on the ground. Referee Farai Hallam didn't see anything wrong, though.

And speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett agreed with the decision not to disallow the Seagulls' opening goal, reminding fans that football is a "contact sport".

"Football is contact sport and, looking at this, it was a coming together of two players. No foul! Play on. The referee [Farai Hallam] got this one correct."

The goal seemed to flip a switch for Fabian Hurzeler's side, with second-half goals from Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper completing the comeback.

The defeat has piled yet more pressure onto Carrick at the Theatre of Dreams, but the Red Devils can have no complaints about the decision.

Michael Carrick breaks unwanted Man United record

The defeat against Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round was so much more than just being knocked out of a competition this week.

Carrick is already under growing pressure from senior figures and the supporters, especially after the Manchester derby embarrassment.

It marked a dark moment in the club's history as well. Man United have now lost at Old Trafford after leading by two goals at half-time for the first time since 1984.

This looked almost impossible after scoring twice in the eighth and 10th minutes, but the Red Devils somehow managed it against the Seagulls.