Manchester United are out of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup after a 3-2 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as Michael Carrick’s poor start as the club’s permanent manager continues.
The Red Devils were already 2-0 up within the first 10 minutes, thanks to a left-footed shot from youngster Shea Lacey and a rebound from Mason Mount.
However, United’s structure soon disintegrated after the two goals, with Brighton gaining more control of the ball and pulling one back through Charalapos Kostoulas just before the halftime whistle.
Pascal Grob equalised for Brighton in the 65th minute from close range before Maxim De Cuyper capitalised on a bad clearance from Diogo Dalot to secure the winner for the visitors four minutes later.
The defeat meant United have won only two of their six opening matches of the 2026/27 season across all competitions.
Speaking after the match, Carrick said the result was unacceptable, while acknowledging his complicity in the poor performance.
“This was not acceptable. I take responsibility for this defeat. The performance towards the end of the second half, that’s on me.
“The team’s on me. So when we win, people say I’m doing a good job… and if we don’t win or we don’t get results, then a lot of it’s on me. So I accept that. I’m not hiding away from any of that,” the former midfielder said.
Meanwhile, the draw for round four of the competition has been conducted, with the match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield being the biggest fixture.
Brighton will face either defending champions Manchester City or Norwich City.
Full round four draw
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Man City/Norwich City vs Brighton
Everton vs Newcastle United
Sunderland vs Brentford
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Bradford City vs Peterborough
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
