Michael Carrick took full responsibility after Manchester United surrendered a huge two-goal lead to drop out of the EFL Cup in an impact Defeated 3-2 against Brighton at Old Trafford.
After the bitter disappointment of the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester City, United looked set for a cruise to the fourth round after an explosive opening.
Nineteen-year-old winger Shea Lacey lit up the contest, cutting inside onto his left foot to slot home a fine first goal at Jason Steele’s near post. Just 46 seconds later, Mason Mount packed home a rebound to double the lead with his first goal of 2026.
However, Charalampos Kostoulas headed past Karl Darlow in first-half stoppage time to give the Seagulls a lifeline, before quick strikes from Pascal Gross and substitute Maxim De Cuyper overturned the tie. The defeat marked the first time United had lost at Old Trafford after leading by two goals since November 1976.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at full-time, Carrick admitted the early euphoria surrounding Lacey’s breakthrough was quickly overshadowed by the way his spin side lost control.
“It seems like a long time ago, but the start of the game was great,” he said.
“It was everything we hoped for, more so really, in a way with Shea (Lacey) achieving her goal. The night went in a different direction, but I think for Shea and everyone who’s been connected to her journey, to have a moment like that was great.
“I should be celebrating and enjoying it a bit more really. Then we’ll let the game get away from us longer than the game.
“We ended up having a pretty disappointing night. It’s obvious for me to say that. We accept it. We can’t be in a position like that and lose the game like that.
“I understand the disappointments and frustrations. I accept that. That’s on me. It’s got to be better than this.”
Asked if he had already addressed the slump with his team in the dressing room, Carrick admitted that recent setbacks are starting to take a psychological toll.
“We can’t change this. It’s done,” he said.
“We’ve got to keep evolving as a group. We’ve got to keep learning and dealing with situations. Sometimes they’re a little easier than others. Tonight was tough. It’s a tough night.
“We haven’t found a way out. That’s up to me and the staff to help the players and guide them. I think we all know that at the end of the night tonight feels like a big disappointment.
“We’ve had little, little things that have gone against us over the last week or two and then it builds up to feel like it’s a lot bigger. I think we have to be honest and say that. The goal at the end against Everton from outside the box. The (Manchester) City goal the other day. It can suddenly come to something a little bit bigger, but I understand the disappointment because we had to finish the game in that position and be in that position. humble and take it.”
Carrick demanded an instant response from his players with the domestic schedule offering no respite with a trip to Fulham at the weekend.
“We have to find the answers by Sunday,” he said.
