Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup after losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored twice in 10 minutes to give the Red Devils a dream start.
What followed next was a defensive nightmare, with Brighton scoring three unanswered goals to complete a stunning turnaround.
The pressure is now mounting on manager Michael Carrick after another disappointing result in a difficult start to the season.
The United head coach took full responsibility for the defeat and acknowledged that his side must start producing positive results quickly.
Carrick said after the game (via Sky Sports): “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.
“I totally understand it for the way the game went. We have got to win games.”
Carrick has taken the blame publicly, as any manager should, rather than deflecting responsibility or throwing his players under the bus.
He remained composed during his post-match responses, but behind closed doors, he will need to demand far more from both his players and the club hierarchy.
The performance was simply not good enough, with United’s defence once again proving to be their biggest weakness.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven started together for the first time this season, but the young centre-back pairing endured a catastrophic night.
The cup competitions are often an opportunity for young players to stake their claim, but the duo failed to seize their chance as United suffered an early exit.
Karl Darlow was outstanding for Leeds United last campaign, but looked completely lost at times on his United debut.
Diogo Dalot produced another abysmal display following his horror show against Manchester City last weekend.. He is a senior player at United but never takes responsibility.
Brighton dominated possession, fired shots at will and repeatedly pinned United deep inside their own half. It is difficult to comprehend how such a one-sided performance unfolded at Old Trafford.
United now face another crucial test against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday.
Another defeat could leave Carrick fighting for his job and potentially on the brink of being sacked.
Stats from Fotmob.com
