Carrick takes 'total responsibility' for Brighton disaster, says United need to 'respond quickly'

CONCERN: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts as United slump to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he takes 'total responsibility' for his side's 3-2 loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and admits he and his players 'need to respond'.

The Red Devils took an early 2-0 lead after goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount in the opening ten minutes of play. However, Brighton found their way back into the game with a goal before the break courtesy of Charalampos Kostoulas.

In the second half, Brighton continued to put pressure on the hosts, eventually bagging the equaliser through Pacal Gross who coolly slotted home after the ball fell to him in the United box from a Brighton clearance.

The winner came in the 70th minute when Maxim the Cuyper hit the back of the net from a Kostoulas cross.

Following a string of bad results, Michael Carrick finds himself under fire. Speaking after the game the former United midfielder said: “We can’t let games go in that direction from where we were. Let’s be honest, it feels big with the last minute goal (against Everton), City’s goal, and now this.

“I take total responsibility. The game can’t finish like that from the position we were in. We have to react to it. Over two or three weeks there’s been a lot of disappointment and we need to respond.

“When we win people say I’m doing a good job. When we don’t win, it’s on me.

“Of course we can turn it around. We’ve not had a good two or three weeks but the players have shown before what they’re capable of.

“Pressure doesn’t bother me one bit. I know what goes on outside and how the world works but I know we’re moving in a good direction.

“We’ve got to win football matches. I think we can do and that we will do - but we’ve got to start on Sunday.

“Being here toughens you up. You have to deal with it by letting it bring the best out of you."