Michael Carrick unfazed after Man Utd squander 2-0 lead in Brighton cup exit
Michael Carrick has insisted scrutiny will not affect him after Manchester United threw away a 2-0 lead and crashed out to Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
United led through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount before Brighton turned the tie around, prompting an angry reaction at full-time. Supporters in the Stretford End booed the players and dugout, with chants aimed at the team’s collapse.
Quick facts
- Manchester United lost to Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round.
- Shea Lacey and Mason Mount put United 2-0 ahead.
- It was United’s third defeat in six matches in all competitions this season.
- Carrick’s next test is an away trip to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Carrick said external criticism was part of the job but maintained it would not influence his approach. He said he was not feeling pressure and understood how quickly opinion can shift around the club.
The 45-year-old has instead challenged his squad to cope with the demands that come with representing United. He acknowledged that the mood can become difficult after poor results, but said players must find a way to manage it.
“Everyone knows that atmosphere is there, in good times and bad,” Carrick said. “The key is how you respond to it. Being at this club toughens you over time, but it depends on how you deal with those moments.”
The defeat has sharpened concerns over United’s ability to control matches against organised opponents. Their second-half drop-off against Brighton allowed a commanding position to disappear, leaving Carrick with defensive and on-field leadership issues to address on the training pitch.
Last season, Carrick was widely praised after guiding United back into the Champions League with 12 wins in 17 games. That momentum has stalled early in the new campaign, with three losses already recorded across six fixtures.
But Carrick believes the squad have enough quality to halt the slide quickly. He pointed to what the group achieved last term and said a difficult run of a few weeks does not prevent a rapid recovery.
“We can put this right,” he said. “There are very good players here. It feels bad because recent weeks have not been good, but you can win the next football match quickly. The players have shown what they can do, and so have we as a group.”
What happens next: United travel to Fulham with Carrick seeking an immediate response. Another setback in west London would deepen the tension after the Brighton collapse, while a win would give his side a chance to reset before a demanding run of fixtures.
