Carrick Takes Blame as Man Utd Blow Two-Goal Lead Against Brighton

Michael Carrick accepted responsibility after Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a result that sent the Seagulls into the fourth round and deepened the early pressure around Old Trafford.

United had made an ideal start on Wednesday, with 19-year-old Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. But Brighton recovered through Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper, completing a comeback that extended their remarkable recent record at Old Trafford: five wins from their last six visits.

The home players were booed at the final whistle after United’s latest setback. Carrick described the manner of the defeat as unacceptable and said the late collapse was his responsibility.

“We cannot accept that as a group,” Carrick said. “I take responsibility. What happened late in the second half is on me. We will improve, and we have to improve. We are out of the competition and now we must get back to winning matches. It does not feel good at the moment.”

United have won only two of their first six fixtures in all competitions this season. They are 13th in the Premier League with four points, leaving Sunday’s league trip to Fulham as an important immediate opportunity to respond.

Carrick focused on Fulham response

Despite the hostile reaction inside the stadium, Carrick insisted he was not concerned about speculation over his own future. The United manager said external scrutiny was part of the job, but maintained that his priority was restoring results and confidence within the squad.

“I do not feel pressure,” he said. “It does not bother me. I understand the outside noise and how it works, but what matters to me is winning games and creating a good feeling around the club.

“We need to win matches, and we are capable of doing it. I genuinely believe that. But we need to show it soon, and Sunday is where that starts.”