Michael Carrick Takes Blame as Brighton Dump Man Utd Out of Carabao Cup

Manchester United are out of the Carabao Cup after Brighton & Hove Albion overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Old Trafford, leaving Michael Carrick to accept responsibility for the collapse.

United appeared in command early on. Academy prospect Shea Lacey struck his first senior goal for the club before Mason Mount made it 2-0 two minutes later, giving the home side a commanding start.

Brighton changed the tie before the interval when Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the arrears just ahead of half-time. The visitors completed their recovery after the break, with former United midfielder Pascal Gross scoring the equaliser shortly after the hour. Maxim De Cuyper then delivered Brighton’s winner, sealing a dramatic cup exit for Carrick’s side.

The defeat wiped out what had looked like a comfortable position and brought a sharp reaction from the United manager, who said supporters were entitled to be frustrated.

“I completely understand how the fans feel. We have to take it, and I take it. Ultimately, it is my responsibility,” Carrick said.

Carrick said a sequence of narrow results had added pressure, but made clear that surrendering a two-goal lead was not acceptable. United must now quickly regroup, with Premier League opponents Fulham due at Old Trafford on Sunday.

“We need to win, and we need to do it soon. Sunday is the next match, and that is all I’m focused on now,” Carrick added.