Manchester United has hit one of its lowest points at the start of the 2026-27 season, suffering a 2-3 defeat to Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The match took place at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026, where the Red Devils initially seized a two-goal advantage before ultimately relinquishing control and conceding three goals.
Disappointment at Old Trafford
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount propelled Manchester United into a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. However, Charalampos Kostoulas narrowed the deficit just before halftime, followed by pivotal goals from Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper that completed Brighton’s stunning comeback in the second half.
This latest defeat comes on the heels of a controversial derby loss to Manchester City, piling on the pressure for head coach Michael Carrick. The situation became even more troubling when young talent JJ Gabriel expressed a desire to leave the club shortly after the match.
Carrick Under Intense Scrutiny
Following the match, Carrick acknowledged the frustration felt by supporters as the players attempted to thank the fans but were met with jeers as they walked around the pitch. “I completely understand the feelings of our fans. We must accept this reality. I take full responsibility. Ultimately, it’s my duty. We cannot shy away from this as a group. I am accountable for the performance in the second half,” said Carrick.
Previously, Carrick had enjoyed a relatively calm tenure since taking over the managerial role from Ruben Amorim in January. Over the course of 17 matches in the latter half of last season, Carrick guided United to 12 victories, securing a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League. However, that momentum has evaporated at the start of the new season, with United managing only two wins from six games, accumulating just four points from four Premier League outings.
The defeat against Brighton marked a series of disappointing milestones for the club, including the franchise’s first loss in half a century at Old Trafford after leading by two goals. This also marked the first such home defeat when leading at halftime since May 1984. Additionally, Manchester United has not won any domestic cup matches since defeating Leicester City in the FA Cup back in February 2025. This loss to Brighton signifies the fourth consecutive domestic cup defeat under three different managers—Amorim, Darren Fletcher, and Carrick.
Looking ahead, Carrick must seek immediate solutions as the upcoming fixtures present formidable challenges. United will face Fulham next Sunday, followed by an intense schedule after the international break featuring encounters against Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, and Leeds United. “We have a significant match on Sunday for which we must prepare thoroughly. Having been eliminated from this competition, we need to start winning again. My sole focus is on Sunday,” Carrick stated.
The 45-year-old coach emphasized the necessity for the team to quickly rebound from this setback. However, the loss to Brighton has undeniably intensified the scrutiny on Carrick, compelling him to find answers before the situation escalates into a larger crisis.
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