Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has taken responsibility for his side’s shock Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton. He has assured that the club must quickly return to winning ways after another disappointing result.
United’s Carabao Cup campaign came to an early end after Brighton secured a victory at Old Trafford, leaving Carrick and his players facing another difficult moment at the start of the season.
Speaking after the defeat, Carrick did not shy away from taking responsibility for his team’s performance, particularly for the way United finished the first half.
‘I Take Responsibility For It’
Carrick admitted that he was unhappy with United’s performance and accepted that he had a role to play in what unfolded.
“I take responsibility for it. The performance towards the end of the second half, that’s on me,” Carrick said.
The United boss also acknowledged that the team must improve collectively following their exit from the competition.
“We’ll all be better. We have to be better. We’re out of this competition and we have to go back to winning football matches. It doesn’t feel good at the moment. It doesn’t feel good,” he added.
Carrick’s comments came after United were unable to find a response against Brighton, with the result bringing an end to their hopes of progressing in the domestic cup.
Carrick Feels No Pressure
Despite the latest setback, Carrick insisted that he is not feeling pressure over his position at Manchester United.
“I don’t feel under pressure,” he said.
The United manager made it clear that outside criticism is not what currently concerns him, with his attention instead focused on getting results on the pitch.
“Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. It generally doesn’t bother me one bit,” Carrick said.
“I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is winning games and having a good feeling around the place.”
Fulham Now The Immediate Focus
With the Carabao Cup campaign over, United’s attention will immediately turn towards their Premier League schedule and Sunday’s meeting with Fulham.
Carrick believes his team can turn the situation around but stressed that the improvement must come quickly.
“We’ve got to win football matches and we can do. I fully believe we will do. But obviously we’ve got to do it pretty quick and Sunday against Fulham is a starting point,” he said.
For Carrick, there is little time to dwell on the Brighton defeat. The United boss made it clear that the next Premier League fixture is already dominating his thoughts.
“We want to win and want to win quickly. The next game is Sunday. That’s all I’m thinking about right now.”