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Daily Read: Football

United Lose Carabao Cup, Carrick Faces Pressure

Manchester United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, losing a two‑goal lead for the first time in 145 attempts at the venue. The loss, which came in the third round, has intensified scrutiny of head coach Michael Carrick, who admitted the club’s mood is heavier than before. Jamie Redknapp publicly criticised United’s defensive performance, adding to the pressure on Carrick’s staff. The result echoes earlier setbacks, including a 2‑0 loss to Grimsby under Ruben Amorim and a FA Cup defeat to Fabian Hurzeler’s side earlier in the year. Carrick’s return to the club had sparked a brief revival, but the recent exit suggests the project may be back on track to repeat past failures. The club’s leadership now faces a decision on Carrick’s future, while fans and pundits weigh the implications of the loss for the season ahead. The match highlighted defensive frailties that will need addressing if United hope to compete for trophies this campaign.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01United lost 3-2 to Brighton, the first time in 145 Old Trafford matches they fell from a 2‑0 lead.
  2. 02Carrick admitted the club’s mood is heavier, signalling mounting pressure on his leadership.
  3. 03Jamie Redknapp criticised United’s defensive performance, adding to the scrutiny of the coaching staff.
  4. 04The defeat echoes earlier setbacks, including a 2‑0 loss to Grimsby and an FA Cup exit to Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
The full brief

Manchester United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, losing a two‑goal lead for the first time in 145 attempts at the venue. The loss, which came in the third round, has intensified scrutiny of head coach Michael Carrick, who admitted the club’s mood is heavier than before. Jamie Redknapp publicly criticised United’s defensive performance, adding to the pressure on Carrick’s staff.

The result echoes earlier setbacks, including a 2‑0 loss to Grimsby under Ruben Amorim and a FA Cup defeat to Fabian Hurzeler’s side earlier in the year. Carrick’s return to the club had sparked a brief revival, but the recent exit suggests the project may be back on track to repeat past failures. The club’s leadership now faces a decision on Carrick’s future, while fans and pundits weigh the implications of the loss for the season ahead.

The match highlighted defensive frailties that will need addressing if United hope to compete for trophies this campaign.