Sir Alex Ferguson was St Mirren manager the last time Manchester United lost at Old Trafford having taken a 2-0 lead, providing context to the shocking Carabao Cup third-round exit against Brighton on Wednesday. The Class of '92 were in nappies when John Pratt scored the winner for Tottenham on 4 September 1976.

After holding protests inside and outside the ground before Sunday's loss to 10-man Manchester City, United supporters expressed their frustration following the latest embarrassment. Most fans left as players completed their post-match lap, while those remaining booed and questioned Michael Carrick and his players.

"Of course we can turn it around, we have got some really good players," said Carrick. "It feels bad because we haven't had a great week or two, or three weeks." Carrick's side have won twice this season, against newly promoted Ipswich and Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK in the Champions League, but have now lost three times—more defeats than he experienced in 17 matches after replacing Ruben Amorim in January.

"I don't feel under pressure," Carrick stated. "Either way, that doesn't bother me one bit." The 15-year-old JJ Gabriel's potential senior debut was likely scrapped due to the situation and Bruno Fernandes being introduced in the final stages.