Michael Carrick accepts responsibility after Manchester United’s League Cup defeat by Brighton

Michael Carrick said he takes full responsibility for Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat by Brighton in the English League Cup and admitted the club must face up to its current situation.

United were eliminated from the competition after surrendering an early two-goal advantage at Old Trafford. Shea Lacey put the hosts ahead in the eighth minute before Mason Mount doubled their lead two minutes later.

Brighton began their comeback in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, when Charalampos Kostoulas reduced the deficit. Pascal Gross then equalised in the 65th minute, before Maxim De Cuyper completed Brighton’s turnaround four minutes later.

“It was a great start to the match against Brighton, but we ended up having a hugely disappointing evening, and we accept that,” Manchester United manager Carrick told the BBC.

“We cannot be in that position and lose a game in that way. I understand the disappointment and frustration, and I accept it. It falls on me and I take responsibility.”

Carrick said a series of small setbacks over the past fortnight had contributed to a wider problem for United.

“We have faced a few small details that have not gone our way over the last week or two,” he added. “Those things build up and can begin to look like a much bigger issue.”

He pointed to recent goals conceded by United as examples of how quickly difficulties can grow.

“I think we have to be honest and acknowledge that,” said Carrick. “There was the late goal we conceded against Everton from outside the area, and Manchester City’s goal in the other match. Things can suddenly escalate and become bigger.”

The United manager said his immediate focus was finding a response against Fulham on Sunday.

“I understand the disappointment,” he said. “We have to be humble and accept this reality. We need to find the right solutions for Sunday’s match against Fulham.”

Manchester City will face Norwich City on Thursday evening in the final fixture of the English League Cup’s round of 32. The winner will complete the line-up for the last 16.

The teams already through are Bournemouth, Bradford City, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Chelsea, Fulham, Peterborough, Arsenal, Liverpool, Brentford, Fleetwood Town, Brighton, Everton and Aston Villa, alongside the winner of Manchester City v Norwich City.