Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick said he is “not bothered” by mounting pressure after his side squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, ending a 50-year record.
It was the first time United had lost at Old Trafford after leading 2-0 since September 1976, when Sir Alex Ferguson was still managing St Mirren.
Shea Lacey gave United an early lead with a well-taken goal on his first senior start, becoming the first teenager to score on his debut start for the club since Marcus Rashford in 2016. United extended their advantage before Brighton mounted a strong comeback to seal a deserved victory, according to Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler.
“The longer the game went, the more we had control. I thought we deserved to win,” Hurzeler said.
Many supporters left before the final whistle or booed the players during their post-match lap of appreciation. Some directed pointed questions at Carrick and the squad near the tunnel.
Carrick acknowledged the difficult run of results. “Of course we can turn it around, we have got some really good players. It feels bad because we haven’t had a great week or two, or three weeks,” he said.
On the growing scrutiny, he added: “I don’t feel under pressure. Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and a good feeling around the group to know we’re moving in a good direction.”
Carrick expressed particular regret for Lacey. “It’s a shame that Shea’s moment, such a great moment for him, for his family, his friends and the whole academy… gets a bit lost, unfortunately.”
United face Fulham on Sunday before the international break.
