Carrick Under Pressure But Backed By United Hierarchy

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under significant pressure after a poor start to the season, including a 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton after leading 2-0. The club hierarchy publicly backs him, but reports indicate internal concern and contingency planning. Key players Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba may return for the next match. Carrick accepted full responsibility for the cup exit, stating, "The team's on me... I accept that. I'm not hiding away from any of that." The defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday marked United's third loss in six matches across all competitions and ended a 145-game unbeaten home run in matches where they had been two goals ahead. Fans booed the team at the final whistle. Despite the poor results, which have left United with only four points from their opening four Premier League games and sitting 13th in the table, the club's hierarchy has publicly backed Carrick. Sources close to the club indicate his position is secure and no shortlist of potential replacements is being formulated.