Michael Carrick took full responsibility after Manchester United squandered a two-goal lead to exit the tournament League Cup In a stunning 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
After the bitter disappointment of their weekend derby defeat to Manchester City, United looked set to progress to the fourth round after an explosive opening.
Nineteen-year-old winger Shea Lacey lit up the game, cutting inside on his left foot to slot home a stunning goal at Jason Steele’s near post. Just 46 seconds later, Mason Mount scored from the rebound to double the lead with his first goal of 2026.
However, Charalambos Kostaulas powered past Karl Darlow in first-half stoppage time to give the Seagulls a lifeline, before Pascal Gross and substitute Maxime De Cuyper turned the tie on its head. The defeat was the first time United had lost at Old Trafford after leading by two goals since November 1976.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Carrick admitted that the early euphoria surrounding Lacey’s breakthrough was quickly overshadowed by the way his team lost control.
“It seems like a long time ago, but the start of the game was great,” he said.
“It was everything we hoped for, and more than that really, in some ways, with Shea (Lacey) scoring his goal. The night went in a different direction but I think a moment like this was great for Shea and everyone involved in his journey.”
“He should celebrate and enjoy it more. Then we let the game get away from us as time goes on.
“We ended up having a very disappointing night. It’s obvious for me to say that. We accept that. We can’t be in a situation like that and lose the game like that.
“I will understand the disappointments and frustrations. I accept that. This is on me. It has to be better than this.”
Asked if he had already dealt with the collapse with his team in the dressing room, Carrick admitted the recent setbacks had begun to take their toll.
“We can’t change that. It’s done,” he said.
“We have to keep improving as a group. We have to keep learning and dealing with situations. Sometimes situations are a little easier than others. Tonight was tough.
“We haven’t found a way out of this. It’s up to me and the coaching staff to help the players and guide them through this crisis. I think we all know that in the end tonight feels like a huge disappointment.
“We’ve had small, small things go against us in the last week or two and then they pile up to make it feel much bigger. I think we have to be honest and say that. The late goal against Everton from outside the box. The (Manchester) City goal the other day. It could suddenly turn into something a little bigger but I understand the disappointment because we shouldn’t have finished the game like that in the position we were in and we have to be humble and accept that.”
Carrick demanded an immediate response from his players as the domestic calendar offered no respite with a trip to Fulham at the weekend.
“We have to find the answers for Sunday,” he said.
