Michael Carrick is not the first Manchester United coach to experience a crisis, but this is the first time he has faced real pressure since taking office at Old Trafford.
Man United led Brighton 2-0 in the 3rd round of the Carabao Cup but eventually lost 2-3. This defeat took place right after the 0-1 defeat to Man City in the Manchester derby, where the opponent had to play with one less player for most of the second half. A day earlier, young talent JJ Gabriel also caused a stir when he asked to leave the club.
Successive difficult days increased pressure at Old Trafford. After the defeat to Brighton, Man United players tried to applaud to thank the fans but received boos. Carrick understood that reaction and took full responsibility for the team's performance.
I completely understand the fans' feelings. We have to accept that. I completely accept it. In the end, the responsibility belongs to me. We cannot accept that performance as a team. I take responsibility for this. The terrible performance at the end of the second half was my fault" - Carrick said.
Man United started the match with Brighton promisingly. Shea Lacey and Mason Mount put the home team ahead 2-0 after only 10 minutes. Lacey could have become the focus of a memorable night when the academy-educated player was given the opportunity to shine at Old Trafford.
However, the "Red Devils" once again could not maintain the advantage. Charalampos Kostoulas narrowed the gap right before halftime, before Pascal Gross equalized in the second half. The home team's defense continued to reveal many gaps and Maxim De Cuyper completed a comeback for Brighton just 3 minutes after the 2-2 equalizer.
This is the first time in 50 years that Man United has lost at home despite leading the opponent by 2 goals. They have also not won any domestic cup tournaments since defeating Leicester City in the FA Cup in February 2025.
The defeat to Brighton is Man United's fourth consecutive defeat in domestic cup competitions under three different coaches, including Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher and Carrick. Brighton has also won 5 of their last 6 away games at Old Trafford.
Carrick has had a relatively peaceful period since taking over Man United in January. Initially only holding a temporary role, he then helped the team win 12 out of 17 matches in the second half of last season, rising to third place in the Premier League and winning the right to return to the Champions League.
But the new season is going in a different direction. Man United has only won 2 out of 6 matches in all competitions and won 4 points after 4 Premier League rounds. For the first time since becoming head coach, Carrick has faced serious questions about his ability to reverse the situation.
After the international holiday, Man United's schedule is also not easy with matches against Tottenham at home, Atletico Madrid and Leeds United away from home.
We have an important match on Sunday and must prepare carefully. We have been eliminated from this tournament, so now is the time to come back and focus on winning. The next match is on Sunday and that's the only thing I'm thinking about right now" - Carrick shared.
