Manchester United's Carabao Cup exit at Brighton has intensified scrutiny on head coach Michael Carrick, drawing parallels to Ruben Amorim's ill-fated Grimsby loss last season. Captain Youri Tielemans admitted the team stopped playing after falling 2-0 down, and despite introducing Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, United failed to respond.

Carrick, who returned to the club in January, had previously found positives in defeats, but offered no such redemption after the Brighton performance. Early praise for his defensive organization — built with Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, and Jonny Evans — has faded as United have conceded two goals in three of four Premier League games. Karl Darlow's error contributed, but the back four lacked coherence.

Left-back remains a critical weakness. Luke Shaw's injury absence exposed the lack of depth, with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu tried without conviction. Youngster Harry Amass is not viewed as a long-term solution, leaving Carrick and the hierarchy — including INEOS — with a pressing problem for the remainder of the season.