"I understand what is happening and the rules of football", the 45-year-old manager said at the post-match press conference at Old Trafford on the evening of 16/9. "The only thing I care about is winning, and I believe the team will do it, but we need to do it quickly. As a team, we cannot accept losing in this manner. I take full responsibility. The performance in the second half was my fault. We have been eliminated from the competition and now we must get back to winning ways. This feeling right now is not pleasant at all".

Manager Michael Carrick instructs Manchester United players during their comeback defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 16/9/2026. Photo: AFP

Despite taking a 2-0 lead after just 10 minutes through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, Manchester United were knocked out with a 2-3 defeat to Fabian Hurzeler's side. Goals from Charalampos Kostoulas in first-half stoppage time, Pascal Gross in the 65th minute, and Maxim De Cuyper in the 69th minute completed an incredible comeback for Brighton.

This marks the first time in 50 years that the Red Devils have lost at Old Trafford after leading 2-0, and their first home defeat since 1984 after holding a first-half lead. So far this season, Carrick's men have only secured victories against newly promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League and debutant Sabah in the Champions League. They have now suffered three defeats, exceeding the total number of losses Carrick experienced in 17 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim in 1/2026.

When asked about the mounting pressure, the 45-year-old manager stated: "I'm not bothered for a single minute". Regarding the whistles and boos from the stands after the final whistle, he shared: "I fully understand the fans' emotions".

In reality, the post-match atmosphere was like a nightmare for Manchester United. British broadcaster BBC Sport reported that most fans quietly left as soon as the players began to disperse to acknowledge them. The few who remained whistled intensely, which had already started when Brighton took the 3-2 lead.

As the Manchester United players approached the tunnel, right next to the "singing section" stand reserved for the most passionate supporters, Carrick and his players were even challenged. "What the hell is this?", messages were shouted with vulgar and harsh language.

Pascal Gross (right) celebrates after scoring in the Manchester United – Brighton match in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford on 16/9/2026. Photo: AP

The rare bright spot in this Manchester United defeat was Shea Lacey, who made his first team debut start and scored a beautiful goal in the 8th minute. Since Marcus Rashford in 2/2016, he is the first teenager to score on his first start for Manchester United. "It's bitter that such a wonderful moment for Lacey, his family, his friends, and the academy was overshadowed in this way", Carrick lamented. "Once things settle down, he will realize its value, but right now, it feels like that momentous occasion has long passed".

Also during the post-match press conference, Carrick was asked about 15-year-old talent JJ Gabriel from the Carrington academy, who has indicated a desire to leave Manchester United. "He is only a 15-year-old boy. For me, and from the club's perspective, protecting young players, from their personal lives and mental well-being to their media exposure, is an important aspect that requires prudence. He is certainly a promising talent. That is the current context, and we need to avoid escalating the situation too far", he affirmed.

According to BBC Sport, this weekend's match against Fulham will be crucial for Carrick. He cannot afford another poor result. Otherwise, heading into the international break, all discussions will revolve around the future of this manager, who only signed a permanent contract in 5/2026 after helping the club achieve an impressive resurgence in the second half of the 2025-2026 season.

Ha Phuong (compiled)