It doesn't feel good: Carrick takes blame after Man United's Carabao Cup exit

Manchester United's difficult start to the season took another blow as Brighton overturned a two-goal deficit to knock them out of the League Cup. Michael Carrick accepted responsibility and acknowledged the frustration among the Old Trafford supporters.United surrendered a two-goal lead in their League Cup defeat. (Reuters Photo)Manchester United's troubled start to the season took another turn for the worse 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 Old Trafford crowd voicing its frustration.United looked in complete control after academy graduate Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored inside the opening 10 minutes. Speaking after the defeat, Carrick admitted his team had thrown away a position they should have converted into victory and said the criticism from supporters was justified.“We had the game exactly where we wanted it and let it get away from us in a big way,” Carrick told Sky Sports. “We can’t accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it.”“It doesn’t feel good at the moment, let me tell you,” Carrick added. “But we can get back to winning football matches and we’ve got to do a lot of things better.” Brighton refused to fold after their poor start, with Charalampos Kostoulas reducing the deficit just before half-time. Pascal Gross then equalised in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper completed the comeback four minutes later, leaving United with another early cup exit.CARRICK ACCEPTS THE HEATThe defeat means United have now been eliminated from the League Cup in the opening round for the second successive season. Last year, they suffered a shock defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby under Ruben Amorim, 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 only two of their first six matches in all competitions and have managed just one victory in the Premier League.“I totally understand the feelings of the supporters. We have to accept it. I totally accept it. It’s on me ultimately, as a team, what we look like, how we play and what results you get,” Carrick said.UNITED'S COMEBACK STALLSCarrick had helped United revive their fortunes last season and secure a return to the Champions League, but the momentum has not carried into the new campaign. The reaction from the Old Trafford crowd after Brighton completed their comeback reflected the growing frustration around the team.United did have an opportunity to rescue the night when Marcus Rashford ran through on goal, but he was unable to 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, highlighting the belief that kept them in the contest.United now have little time to dwell on the disappointment, with a Premier League trip to winless Fulham coming on Sunday before the first international break of the season.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 16:01 IST