Manchester United faces Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, with kickoff at 8 p.m. BST. The match, to be broadcast live on ITV1 and Sky, comes amid mounting pressure on interim manager Michael Carrick to secure silverware and revitalize the club’s faltering season.
Carrick, who enjoyed a decorated playing career at Manchester United with 12 major trophies including three League Cups, underscored the significance of winning titles both for the club and for himself in his current role. “Trophies are the beauty and the feeling of winning. It’s what we’re in football for,” Carrick said ahead of the match. He emphasized that while success is not guaranteed, achieving tangible success is vital for the team and its supporters.
The former midfielder stepped into management after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure ended with criticism over repeated near-misses in cup competitions. Although Erik ten Hag had secured a League Cup and an FA Cup during his spell, those honors offered little solace as United struggled in the Premier League, prompting his departure. Carrick now faces the challenge of balancing squad rotation and results in a demanding fixture schedule.
United’s poor form at the start of the season means Carrick may be reluctant to use the Carabao Cup as a platform solely for youth development. Unlike the era under Sir Alex Ferguson, when heavy squad rotation in domestic cups was possible without jeopardizing outcomes, Carrick must weigh the risks of defeat carefully. A loss to Brighton, currently enjoying an upturn in form, would further heighten scrutiny ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
Despite these stakes, some squad rotation appears likely. Carrick made four changes in last week’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Sabah and is expected to continue tinkering. Promising youngsters Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko are tipped to start, while new £50 million signing Andrey Santos could make his first appearance since the opening day.
In terms of fitness, Luke Shaw remains uncertain for the cup tie after missing the Manchester derby and Champions League matches due to a minor injury. However, Carrick is hopeful the left-back will be available for the weekend fixture against Fulham. “He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but it’s not clear-cut. It’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else,” Carrick noted.
As Manchester United pursues its first trophy since ten Hag’s League Cup triumph last season, Carrick’s approach to the Carabao Cup clash reflects the urgency to halt a troubling run and restore confidence at Old Trafford.