Manchester City was knocked out on Wednesday by Tottenham (2-1) in the round of 16 of the English League Cup, just like Chelsea, finalist of the last edition, who fell to Newcastle (2-0).
Manchester United, lacking results in the league, found some momentum by crushing Leicester 5-2.
Main poster for the quarter-finals, Tottenham will host Manchester United in the week of December 16.
Already prematurely eliminated during the previous edition at the round of 16 stage, Manchester City, current leader of the Premier League, did little better this year by losing in the lair of Spurs.
The north London club quickly took the lead thanks to Timo Werner (5th) then Pape Matar Sarr (25th) before the Citizens reduced the score through Matheus Nunes just before the break (45+4).
Stuck in the league (14th), Manchester United played their first match since the dismissal of their Dutch coach Erik ten Hag.
For the first time former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was on the bench to replace his compatriot, the Red Devis did not provide details against Leicester (5-2).
Two doubles from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes contributed to the big success over the Foxes.
The defending champion Liverpool was scared at Brighton (3-2). The Reds had to wait until the second period to unlock their counter, notably with a double from Cody Gakpo (46th and 63rd).
Chelsea, unfortunate finalist of the 2023-24 edition against Liverpool, lost on the Newcastle pitch (2-0). The Blues, 5th in the championship, were punished by the Magpies, conceding two goals in three minutes by Alexander Izak and Frenchman Axel Disasi against his side.
Arsenal, 3rd in the Premier League, left second division team Preston no chance (3-0).
Crystal Palace won at Aston Villa (2-1), a performance for the London team 17th in the standings against the Birmingham club, currently 4th.
On Tuesday, Southampton and Brentford obtained their ticket at the expense of two residents of the Championship (2nd division), Stoke and Sheffield Wednesday.
In addition to Tottenham-Manchester United, the quarter-finals will pit Arsenal against Crystal Palace, Newcastle against Brentford and Southampton against Liverpool.
