Carrick Takes Responsibility as Brighton Complete Comeback to Knock Manchester United Out

Posted : 17 September 2026

Manchester United suffered another damaging setback as Brighton & Hove Albion came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford and eliminate them from the Carabao Cup. The defeat prompted boos from the home supporters at full time and increased the scrutiny on manager Michael Carrick.

United appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory after Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored inside the opening 10 minutes. Lacey marked his first senior start with an impressive finish before Mount reacted quickest to a rebound from Marcus Rashford's effort to make it 2-0.

However, Brighton gradually recovered and reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time. Charalampos Kostoulas took advantage of space in the United defence to beat debutant goalkeeper Karl Darlow and give the visitors renewed hope.

The comeback was completed in the second half. Pascal Groß equalised in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper struck four minutes later, turning the match completely in Brighton's favour.

The result marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost at Old Trafford after taking a 2-0 lead. Their previous defeat in that situation came against Tottenham in 1976.

Carrick attempted to change the game by introducing captain Bruno Fernandes, while Matheus Cunha was also brought on as United searched for a response. Marcus Rashford came close to an equaliser, but Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele made an important save to preserve his side's advantage.

The defeat comes just days after United's controversial 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester City, leaving Carrick facing another difficult moment barely a month into the new campaign.

Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse after the match, saying the team had allowed a game they controlled to slip away. He also acknowledged the frustration of the supporters and stressed that United must quickly return to winning ways.

United have now exited the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage for a second consecutive season. The club's attention now turns to Sunday's Premier League meeting with Fulham, with Carrick insisting that his priority is preparing the team to respond.

The defeat also adds to concerns over United's squad depth after Carrick made eight changes for the Brighton match. With the team already struggling for consistency, another poor result against Fulham would further intensify the pressure surrounding the club.

Carrick Takes Responsibility as Brighton Complete Comeback to Knock Manchester United Out

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