It’s not a good feeling: Carrick takes the blame after Man United’s Carabao Cup exit

Manchester United’s troubled start to the season worsened again as they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton in the League Cup. Michael Carrick accepted responsibility after another defeat left the crowd at Old Trafford expressing their frustration.

United looked completely in control after academy graduate Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored in the opening 10 minutes. After the defeat, Carrick admitted his side had thrown away a position they should have converted into victory and said the criticism from the fans was justified.

“We had the game exactly where we wanted it and let it slip away,” Carrick told Sky Sports. “We cannot accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it.”

“I’m not feeling well at the moment, I’ll tell you,” added Carrick. “But we can get back to winning football games and we have to do a lot of things better.

Brighton refused to fold after a poor start and were subbed off by Charalampos Kostoulas just before half-time. Pascal Gross then equalized in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper completed the comeback four minutes later, leaving United with another early exit from the cup.

CARRICK TAKES THE HEAT

Defeat means United have now crashed out of the League Cup in the opening round for the second consecutive season. They suffered a shock defeat to fourth-placed Grimsby under Ruben Amorim last year, with Carrick taking charge after replacing the Portuguese coach in January.

The latest setback adds to a difficult opening to Carrick’s campaign. United have won just two of their first six games in all competitions and have managed just one win in the Premier League.

“I totally understand the fans’ feelings. We have to accept it. I totally accept it. It’s up to me, as a team, how we look, how we play and what results you get,” Carrick said.

STALLS AT COMEBACK UNITED

Carrick helped United revive their fortunes last season and secure a return to the Champions League, but the momentum has not carried over into the new campaign. The reaction from the crowd at Old Trafford after Brighton completed their comeback reflected the growing frustration around the team.

United had a chance to save the night when Marcus Rashford got through on goal but couldn’t beat Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele in a one-on-one situation.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised his side’s response after falling two goals behind and highlighted the belief that kept them in the game.

United now have little time to dwell on the disappointment as they come to Fulham without a win in the Premier League on Sunday before the first international break of the season.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

17 Sep 2026 16:01 IST