Man United vs Brighton: Shea Lacey handed first START - just 24 hours after fellow starlet JJ Gabriel's quit bombshell - as Michael Carrick rings the changes for Carabao Cup clash

2026-09-16 · DailyMail

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog of Man United v Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round, including updates from Coventry City v Aston Villa - and Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

The circus never seems to be far away from this club.

After such a positive time in charge at the end of last season, the beginning of Michael Carrick's permanent tenure couldn't have gotten off to a bumpier start.

There was the opening-day defeat to Hull City, conceding a late equaliser to Everton, a 1-0 loss in the derby at the weekend and now being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton - with only wins against Sabah and Ipswich so far. It certainly hasn't been pretty.

All eyes now turn to Craven Cottage on Sunday to see whether Michael Carrick can provide the answers, and turn this dire run of form around.

Michael Carrick, Man United boss, on job pressure

It's fair to say Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony isn't a fan of tonight's draw.

His tweet is rather funny though...

Next up for Manchester United is a trip to south-west London, where they will take on Fulham in the Premier League.

That's their last match before the three-week international break.

Here's United's upcoming fixture list:

It was a varied night in terms of individual performances from the Man United squad.

While the likes of Youri Tielemans and Shea Lacey had positive evenings, defensively United were all over the place.

Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton boss, to Sky Sports

On going two goals behind

Michael Carrick, Man United boss, speaking to Sky Sports

On Shea Lacey

On JJ Gabriel

On the boos

And there we have it!

Xabi Alonso is set to return to Liverpool earlier than expected, with his Chelsea side travelling to Anfield for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

And it's going to be a big night for League Two side Fleetwood Town, who host Premier League champions Arsenal.

The fixtures for this one are scheduled for the week commencing October 26.

Here's the full list again:

Man City will play the final match of the third round at home to Norwich City tomorrow evening, 7.30pm kick off.

London derby!

That's a tasty draw!

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