Carrick: It was a disappointing night, and we need to find answers before Sunday

Michael Carrick, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his deep disappointment following his team's 3-2 loss to Brighton and their exit from the EFL Cup, stating that the responsibility lies with him and his coaching staff after squandering a two-goal lead.

Michael Carrick said in statements to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It seems like it happened a long time ago now, but the start of the match was fantastic. It was everything we hoped for, and even more in some aspects, especially with Shea Lacey scoring his goal."

He added: "Tonight went in a different direction, but I think Shea Lacey, at this moment in his academy career, and everyone connected to his journey, deserved a moment like this to celebrate and enjoy it a bit more, especially after he gave us that start. Then we allowed the match to slip away from us the longer the game went on."

He continued: "The match ended in a very disappointing night for us. It is easy for me to say that. We accept it. We cannot be in this position and then lose the match in this way. I understand the disappointment and frustration. I accept that. This is my responsibility, and it has to be better than that."

Speaking about how to deal with what happened, Carrick said: "We cannot change what happened. It’s over. We have to continue to evolve as a group. We must keep learning and dealing with different situations. Sometimes things come easier than at other times. Tonight was tough. We didn’t find a way out of it. This falls on me and the coaching staff to help and guide the players through these situations. I think we all realize in the end that tonight represents a big disappointment."

He added: "We faced some small things over the last week or two that went against us, and then they accumulate to suddenly feel much bigger. I think we have to be honest and say that. The late goal against Everton from outside the box, and Manchester City's goal in the other match. All these things can suddenly accumulate and turn into something bigger, but I understand the disappointment because we shouldn't have finished the game in that way given the situation we were in, and we have to be humble and accept that."

He concluded: "We need to find the answers before Sunday as the team will play against Fulham in the Premier League."