Michael Carrick has dismissed concerns over his Manchester United future after Brighton overturned an early two-goal deficit to send the club out of the Carabao Cup.
United appeared firmly in control at Old Trafford when Shea Lacey and Mason Mount struck inside the opening 10 minutes. Brighton responded with three unanswered goals, however, securing a 3-2 victory and inflicting Carrick’s third defeat in six matches in all competitions this season.
The result intensified scrutiny of Carrick, whose side had won 143 of their previous 145 home matches after taking a 2-0 lead. It was also United’s first defeat at Old Trafford after going two goals ahead in 50 years.
Michael Carrick rejects Manchester United job pressure
Asked whether the growing focus on his position was beginning to affect him, Carrick insisted he was not feeling pressure.
“I don’t feel under pressure,” he said.
“Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. It generally doesn’t bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn’t bother me.”
The manager enjoyed a strong spell after taking charge last season, winning 12 of 17 matches and guiding United back into the Champions League. His first full campaign has proved considerably more difficult, with the club winning only twice in six games so far.
The cup exit came days after a 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City, leaving Carrick under increased pressure despite his insistence that external criticism does not concern him.
He accepted responsibility for the collapse against Brighton, acknowledging that United’s second-half performance was on him and that the team must improve quickly.
The scale of the surrender was made more striking by Brighton making six changes to their starting line-up. After Mount’s early goal, United did not record another shot on target until the 76th minute.
That failure to regain control after Brighton’s comeback will add to questions over United’s game management and Carrick’s response when momentum shifts during matches.
Carrick’s work last season may afford him some patience, but United’s next Premier League fixture at Fulham now carries greater significance as he seeks a response from his players.
