Manchester United were booed off by supporters following their Carabao Cup exit to Brighton, though Michael Carrick insists he is not feeling the pressure.
Despite racing into a 2-0 lead after ten minutes against Brighton on Wednesday night, United contrived to lose 3-2 as they paid the ultimate price for conceding twice in four second half minutes.
It was the first time Man United had led at Old Trafford by two goals and lost since they were beaten 3-2 by Tottenham in 1976, when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager of St Mirren!
The loss to Brighton has compounded a rather poor start to the season for Man United. Six games played across all competitions, two wins, three losses and one clean sheet - against a Sabah side that has only been in existence for less than a decade.
Given how United performed towards the back end of the 2025-26 campaign, more was expected at the beginning of this, and from Carrick too.
However, there are reports that United have already begun to evaluate Carrick’s position even at this early stage of the season and just four months after handing him the head coach role on a permanent two-year deal.
It all feels premature, but if a managerial change is made, it’s claimed Antonio Conte is at the top of the shortlist, while bookmakers, this week, have slashed odds on Eddie Howe making a swift return to management after his shock Newcastle exit.
That said, even after United’s third loss in six games, those tenuous links about being replaced and the pressure that comes with the job, Carrick is remaining upbeat.
“No pressure anyway. Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it genuinely doesn’t bother me,” he said after the Brighton loss. “What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and knowing we’re moving in a good direction.
“If we’re on a good run, the biggest thing I’m thinking about is keeping it going and keeping everything on an even level. If we’re not on a good run, then we’ve got to get back to being on a good run. That’s as simple as it gets.
“We’ve got to win football matches, and I fully believe we will. Obviously, we’ve got to do it pretty quickly, and Sunday is a starting point.”
Man United are back in action on Sunday, facing a resurgent Fulham side that held Liverpool to a goalless draw, earning their first Premier League point of the season, before beating West Ham in the Carabao Cup third round.
Looking at United’s fixtures after the international break, it’s imperative Carrick gets a positive reaction from his squad, otherwise he may start to feel the pressure...
Manchester United’s next nine games
20/09 - Fulham (a)
10/10 - Tottenham (h)
13/10 - Atletico Madrid (a)
18/10 - Leeds (a)
21/10 - Como (a)
25/10 - Bournemouth (h)
31/10 - Chelsea (a)
03/11 - Roma (h)
07/11 - Aston Villa (h)
On paper, the three away games in eight days immediately following the international break look tough and United’s squad will be tested physically and mentally.
A trip to Atletico Madrid is certainly a welcome back to the Champions League fixture, while Leeds at Elland Road is always tough and Daniel Farke’s side have started the season well.
Como represent an unknown quantity, though have too began the season on fire and recorded a statement win over RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut.
