London: Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup as Coventry's Maltese striker Michael Mifsud scored twice in his side's shock 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson rested all 11 of the players who started against Chelsea on Sunday and his lack of interest in the third round tie was reflected in a sloppy display. It was the Premier League champions first defeat in six matches, but a team including big-money signings Nani and Anderson deserved little better after being stung by Mifsud.

The 26-year-old is nicknamed the Mosquito and he was a pest for United all night as Ferguson s side lost to lower league opposition at home for the first time in 12 years. Memories of that defeat against York came flooding back as Coventry, who arrived at Old Trafford without a win in three games and sitting eighth in the Championship, took the game to United.

Roared on by over 11,000 fans, Iain Dowie's side took the lead in the 27th minute when Sky Blues skipper Michael Doyle stole in at the far post and delivered a low cross back across goal for Mifsud to finsih from close range. It was the first goal United had conceded in six matches and they never recovered. Mifsud grabbed a second in the 70th minute with a fierce finish from Jay Tabb's flick to send Coventry into dreamland.

Avram Grant got his first win as Chelsea manager as the League Cup holders started their defence of the trophy with a 4-0 victory against Hull. Grant's debut after replacing Jose Mourinho ended in defeat at Manchester United at the weekend, but he avoided a third round embarrassment at the KC Stadium thanks to goals from Scott Sinclair, Salomon Kalou and Steve Sidwell.