Manchester United’s early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town last season remains a vivid memory for many supporters. That defeat has become almost emblematic of the era overseen by former manager Rubén Amorim, marking a low point that still lingers in the collective consciousness of the fan base.
While Wednesday's home loss to Brighton did not carry the same historical weight, there are unsettling parallels that have emerged for Michael Carrick, the man who succeeded Amorim at the helm. Youri Tielemans, United's captain on the day of the Brighton defeat, openly admitted after the match that once the team fell behind 2-0, they essentially stopped competing. The shift in momentum was palpable at Old Trafford after roughly twenty minutes, as Brighton began to dominate and the contest seemed destined to end in their favour. Even the introduction of attacking talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha failed to spark any meaningful revival, leaving United looking flat and ineffective.
For Carrick, this lack of response is deeply concerning. Since taking charge in January, the interim manager has typically been quick to defend his players and highlight positive aspects of their performances, even after a string of setbacks. However, against Brighton there was little to salvage; the team offered no redeeming moments that could offset the disappointment.
When Carrick and his backroom staff first arrived, they were lauded for tightening the defensive structure. Their organization produced impressive victories over rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, showcasing a side that could be compact and disciplined. The arrival of experienced figures such as Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans contributed instantly to a more resilient back line.
Yet the current season has exposed the same defensive frailties that plagued the side before. United have allowed two goals in three of their four Premier League fixtures, and the Brighton game highlighted those weaknesses once more. One of the goals resulted from a clear mistake by goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but beyond that, the back four displayed a disjointed shape and a lack of mutual understanding that left the team vulnerable.
Left‑back remains a particular headache for Carrick. Although he has not publicly singled out the position as a glaring problem, the issue is evident. Luke Shaw, the club’s senior left‑back, has missed the last three matches due to a minor injury. Given Shaw’s age, his injury history and the fact that he was largely reliable last season, it was arguably short‑sighted not to secure a reliable replacement during the summer transfer window.
Carrick has tried to plug the gap with Noussair Mazraoui, but the Moroccan appears to have slipped down the pecking order, as the less experienced Patrick Dorgu was preferred for the Manchester derby loss. Meanwhile, the young prospect Harry Amass does not seem to be in United’s long‑term plans for the role. The lingering question, therefore, is how the club intends to shore up the left side of defence for the remainder of the campaign. Critics who question Carrick’s job security after only a handful of weeks into the new season may be premature.
Since his return in January, United have amassed the highest point total of any team in the league during that period. Nevertheless, Carrick himself has acknowledged that moments such as Ainsley Maitland‑Niles’ equaliser for Everton, the contentious VAR decision that awarded Manchester City a goal, and the shocking collapse against Brighton have altered the narrative around his tenure. A defeat at Fulham on Sunday, broadcast live on Sky Sports, could ignite uncomfortable debates about whether Carrick can guide United out of the current storm.
While that discussion may be reserved for a later date, the manager does deserve some empathy for the squad he has inherited. The lack of significant player sales and acquisitions this summer has limited United’s ability to reinforce key areas. Yet this shortfall does not fully excuse the club’s apparent neglect of obvious needs. The left‑back position, as mentioned, required urgent attention.
Moreover, with Benjamin Šeško still nursing a shin injury throughout the summer, United might have benefited from bringing in a temporary No.9 to share the burden rather than deploying Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in unfamiliar roles. Both forwards have struggled to recapture the form they displayed under Carrick last season.
Ultimately, until United can execute a comprehensive squad overhaul in a single transfer window, they will remain trapped in a cycle of incremental upgrades, relying heavily on remnants from previous regimes. This pattern likely contributed to the boos that echoed around Old Trafford after the Brighton loss – not solely a reaction to the performance that night, but a broader expression of frustration with a perceived repeating cycle, a déjà vu of past seasons, and another false dawn following an initially promising start under a new head coach.
It is still early days, and Carrick deserves the time to build on what he achieved last season. However, the turbulent waters he must navigate are real, and ultimately, his legacy will be judged by how effectively he can halt the downward spiral.
Even if United fail to secure a win against Fulham, a solid performance could buy him valuable breathing room. With patience, strategic adjustments, and perhaps a few timely signings, Carrick may yet be able to steer the Red Devils back onto a steadier course.