Michael Carrick latest: Is Manchester United boss on hot seat? Red Devils capitulate in League Cup

Manchester United 's disappointing start to the 2026-27 season under Michael Carrick found a new low on Wednesday as the Red Devils blew a two-goal 10th-minute lead to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the League Cup.

With the international break quickly approaching, United have faltered at almost every step of the young season under Carrick.

The weekend's failure to find the goal against 10-man Manchester City in the derby had controversy on which Carrick's Red Devils could rest, but this performance was anything but positive after Shea Lacey and Mason Mount gave United a 2-0 lead.

Unpacking Manchester United's poor start to the season

August 22: Lose to Hull City in PL opener

August 30: Beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at in PL home opener

September 6: Draw Everton 2-2 in the league

September 10: Thump Azerbaijan side Sabah 4-0 in the Champions League

September 13: Lose Manchester derby despite playing 67 minutes up a man

September 16: Bow out of League Cup after leading 2-0 versus Brighton at Old Trafford

United opened the season with two promoted teams, Everton, and one of the smallest minnows in the Champions League.

They've since met two good teams in Man City and Brighton, losing in two very different ways.

Carrick overachieved upon taking the wheel at United last winter and brought the team to the Champions League. The Red Devils kept him in place and spent a lot of money on building a team for him this summer.

It has not gone well. How long is his leash? Surely it has some length as ownership won't want to say "Our bad" so soon in the project, but what could happen if they go away to Fulham on Sunday and perform poorly? Will leadership consider making a change with a long international break to address what ails the team before meeting Spurs and Atletico Madrid ?

Michael Carrick reaction to League Cup exit

We'll share any of Carrick's words as soon as he speaks from Old Trafford.