Carrick accepts blame after United squander 2-0 lead in Carabao Cup shock

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United manager, Michael Carrick has shouldered responsibility for Manchester United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup collapse against Brighton, insisting the team must “go back to winning football matches” after throwing away a two-goal advantage.

The United manager said he “totally” understands supporters’ frustration following the defeat, which leaves the club reeling at the start of the 2026/27 season.

“I totally accept it,” Carrick said of the mood around Old Trafford.

“It’s on me ultimately: as a team what we look like, how we play and what results you get. I take that.”

Carrick stressed urgency ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham, describing the next match as his sole focus.

“We want to win and want to win quickly. The next game is Sunday. That’s all I’m thinking about right now,” he said.

The result compounds a difficult opening to the campaign for United, a side Carrick inherited earlier in a period of turbulence before guiding them to a strong league finish last term.