Michael Carrick demands immediate Manchester United response after derby defeat

Michael Carrick has urged Manchester United to react quickly to their 1-0 Manchester derby defeat by Manchester City when they face Brighton in the EFL Cup third round.

United were beaten at Old Trafford on 13 September, despite Manchester City being reduced to 10 men early in the match after Phil Foden was shown a red card. The result left Carrick’s team with four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures.

The side began its league campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Hull City. United then recorded their first win by beating Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, before drawing 2-2 with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Carrick now wants his players to put the disappointment of the derby behind them as they turn their attention to Brighton tonight. The EFL Cup tie offers United an immediate opportunity to return to winning ways and continue competing on another front.

“Sunday’s Manchester derby was extremely frustrating for a number of reasons,” Carrick told the club’s official website, “but now we have to move on quickly and get back to winning ways.

“The fixtures are coming thick and fast ahead of the international break next week; we have a squad full of talent with everybody pushing to play.”

United have already made a positive start in Europe this season. They opened their Champions League campaign on 10 September with a commanding 4-0 home victory over Sabah FK.

Carrick said the club’s ambitions meant his squad had to embrace the busy schedule and maintain its focus across all competitions.

“As a group of coaches, players and staff, we want to play as many games as we possibly can this season, so we need to progress through matches like this one and make sure we keep competing on every front.”