Michael Carrick shouldered full responsibility after Manchester United surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage to crash out of the EFL Cup in a stunning 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. Fresh from the bitter disappointment of their weekend derby defeat to Manchester City, United looked poised for a cruise into the fourth round after an explosive opening.Nineteen-year-old winger Shea Lacey illuminated the contest, cutting inside onto his left foot to lash home a fine opener at Jason Steeles near post. Just 46 seconds later, Mason Mount bundled home a rebound to double the advantage with his first goal of 2026.However, Charalampos Kostoulas poked past Karl Darlow in first-half stoppage time to hand the Seagulls a lifeline, before quick-fire strikes from Pascal Gross and substitute Maxim De Cuyper turned the tie on its head. The defeat marked the first time United had lost at Old Trafford having led by two goals since November 1976.Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live at full-time, Carrick admitted that the early euphoria around Laceys breakthrough was quickly eclipsed by the manner in which his rotated side lost control.It seems a long time ago now but the start of the game was fantastic, he said.It was everything we hoped for, even more really, in some ways with Shea [Lacey] getting his goal. The nights gone in a different direction but I think for Shea and everyone whos been connected with his journey, to have a moment like that was great,He should be celebrating and enjoying it a little bit more really. Then we let the game get away from us with the longer the game went.We ended up with a pretty disappointing night. Its obvious for me to say that. We accept that. We cant be in a position like that and lose the game in that manner.Ill understand the disappointments and frustrations. I accept that. Thats on me. Itll need to be better than that.Questioned on whether he had already addressed the collapse with his squad in the dressing room, Carrick conceded that recent late setbacks are beginning to take a psychological toll.We cant change that. Its done, he said.Weve got to keep evolving as a group. We have to keep learning and dealing with situations. Sometimes they come a bit easier than others. Tonight was a tough one.We didnt find a way out of it. Thats up to me and the staff to help the players and guide them through it. I think we all know that in the end tonight feels like a big disappointment.Weve had small, little things that have gone against us in the last week or two and then it accumulates to feel that its a lot bigger. I think we have to be honest and say that. The late goal against Everton from outside the box. The [Manchester] City goal the other day. It can all of a sudden roll into something a bit greater but I understand the disappointment because we shouldnt finish the game in that manner with the position we were in and we have to be humble and take that.Carrick demanded an instant response from his players with the domestic calendar offering no respite with a trip to Fulham at the weekend.We have to find the answers for Sunday, he said. Topics Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. EFL Cup Manchester United F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read EFL Cup draw: Liverpool get Chelsea while Fleetwood bank glamour fourth-round tie Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026 EFL Cup review: Wins for Everton and Aston Villa as United crash out Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026 Manchester United 2-3 Brighton: Brighton mount historic EFL Cup comeback Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026 WATCH: Teenager Lacey scores first goal for Man Utd in stunning start Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026 Man United v Brighton LIVE: Can Red Devils respond after derby disappointment against in-form Seagulls Jon Fisher 16th September, 2026 Manchester United v Brighton: Confirmed line-ups for EFL Cup third-round clash Nicholas McGee 16th September, 2026
