Michael Carrick criticised Manchester United's performance as "unacceptable" after the team was eliminated from the Carabao Cup, losing 3-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford after holding a two-goal advantage.
The defeat marks the first time in 50 years that United have lost a home match after leading 2-0 in any competition. Supporters expressed their frustration with loud boos at the final whistle, adding to the pressure on Carrick.
Carrick takes responsibility
Speaking after the match, Carrick said: "We can't accept that as a group. I take responsibility for it. The performance towards the end of the second half, that's on me."
He added: "We'll all be better. We have to be better. We have a big game on Sunday that we have to prepare for. We're out of this competition and we have to go back to winning football matches."
Fans' reaction understood
Carrick acknowledged the supporters' anger, saying: "Yeah of course, that's pretty obvious! I totally understand the feelings of the supporters."
He continued: "We have to accept it. I totally accept it. It's on me ultimately: as a team what we look like, how we play and what results you get. I take that. I'll take the praise, I'll take the criticism and the upset."
Patience requested over JJ Gabriel
Carrick also asked for patience regarding 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel, who has told the club he wants to leave. Carrick said: "We have to be a little bit careful on that one. He's a 15-year-old boy. It's more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child really."
He added: "He's certainly a young man. The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure and how much we jump on that."
United now turn their attention to Sunday's match as Carrick focuses on returning to winning ways.
