Michael Carrick Takes Responsibility After Manchester United’s Carabao Cup Collapse
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has accepted full responsibility for his side’s dramatic Carabao Cup elimination, describing the collapse against Brighton & Hove Albion as “unacceptable” and acknowledging the frustration of the supporters.
United suffered a stunning 3–2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, despite establishing a commanding 2–0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Teenage forward Shea Lacey opened the scoring before Mason Mount doubled United’s advantage, giving Carrick’s team an ideal start.
However, the momentum quickly shifted. Charalampos Kostoulas pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time before Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute. Just four minutes later, Maxim De Cuyper completed Brighton’s comeback, leaving United stunned and sending them out of the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage.
The defeat was particularly significant because United had surrendered a two-goal lead at home. According to Reuters, it was the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost at Old Trafford after going 2–0 ahead. The previous occasion was a 3–2 defeat to Tottenham in September 1976.
Speaking after the match, Carrick did not attempt to shift the blame onto his players. Instead, the Manchester United boss accepted responsibility for the way his team performed, particularly during the latter stages of the second half.
“This is unacceptable. I take responsibility for it. The performance towards the end of the second half is my fault.”
Carrick also acknowledged the reaction from the Old Trafford supporters, who voiced their disappointment at the final whistle. Rather than criticising the fans, he said he understood their frustration and accepted that the team had to face the consequences of its performance.
“I totally understand the feelings of the supporters. We have to accept it. I totally accept it. It’s on me.”
The manager further emphasised that responsibility comes with the position he occupies. Carrick explained that if the team receives praise when things go well, he must also accept criticism when performances and results fall below expectations.
“What we look like, how we play and what results you get. I take that. I’ll take the praise, I’ll take the criticism and the upset.”
The defeat represents another difficult moment for United, coming only days after their 1–0 Premier League loss to Manchester City. The club has now endured a difficult opening period domestically, with the early Carabao Cup exit adding further pressure on Carrick and his squad.
For Carrick, however, the immediate priority is not to dwell on the disappointment but to find a response. United’s next opportunity comes against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, giving the manager and his players a chance to begin rebuilding confidence after the damaging collapse at Old Trafford.
The Carabao Cup defeat has therefore become more than just an early cup exit. It has highlighted the need for greater consistency, concentration and resilience from Manchester United, particularly after taking control of a match. Carrick has publicly accepted responsibility; the next challenge will be turning that admission into a meaningful response on the pitch.
