Carrick, his players, and coaching staff were booed by United fans as they made their way back to the dressing room after their 3-2 loss to Brighton.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has reacted to his team’s humiliating Carabao Cup exit at Old Trafford after visiting Brighton came from two goals down to reach the last 16.
The Red Devils led 2-0 early on, but eased off the gas and ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat.
United opened the scoring when Shea Lacey marked his first senior start with a well-taken goal after just eight minutes.
Mason Mount then doubled their advantage two minutes later when he drove home the rebound from a Marcus Rashford effort that had been blocked.
However, Charalampos Kostoulas pulled one back just before half-time, and Brighton skipper Pascal Groß levelled in the 65th minute when he was left unmarked on the edge of the area.
Four minutes later, Kostoulas turned supplier as he cut the ball back for substitute Maxim De Cuyper to finish for the visitors’ third goal.
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Carrick had to bring on skipper Bruno Fernandes 18 minutes from time in a desperate attempt to salvage the game after watching his side concede twice in four second-half minutes, but Brighton held on for victory.
The humiliating defeat marked the first time since 1976 that Man United had squandered a two-goal lead to lose at home.
It was no surprise, therefore, that United players and handlers incurred the wrath of the home support, earning spirited boos as they made their way back to the dressing room.
Speaking at full-time, Carrick felt Man United fans were right to boo him and his squad off the pitch after they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup third round.
He said: “I totally understand the feelings of the supporters. We have to accept it. I totally accept it.
”It’s on me ultimately: as a team, 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.
“I totally understand it for the way the game went. We have got to win games.”
