Manchester United’s latest setback has increased pressure on Michael Carrick after the club suffered a rare home defeat from a two-goal lead, with frustrated supporters turning on the manager and his players.
Man United English head coach Michael Carrick shouts instructions to the players from the touchline during the English League Cup third round football match between Man United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 16, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Michael Carrick needs a win at Fulham to ease the mounting pressure on troubled Manchester United, while Tottenham are desperate for their first Premier League goal of the season against fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
At the top end of the table, Arsenal and Manchester City aim to maintain their perfect records going into the international break.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend’s action:
Defiant Carrick Confident Of Man Utd Revival
As Carrick trudged towards the tunnel at Old Trafford after Manchester United’s demoralising collapse against Brighton, the rumble of discontent grew louder with each footstep.
United had just lost a home game after holding a two-goal lead for the first time in 50 years, and fans at the Stretford End were venting their frustration, with jeers and abuse aimed at Carrick and his players.
The United manager acknowledged Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to Brighton in the League Cup third round was unacceptable as he took responsibility for their third defeat in six games this season.
But Carrick’s willingness to shoulder the blame will not save him from even greater scrutiny and criticism if United lose at Fulham on Sunday.
United have won just once in four league games and have lost their past two matches in all competitions.
They cannot afford another setback against a Fulham side languishing in the relegation zone and who are yet to win in the league this season.
“Of course we can turn it around. We’ve got some really good players, and it feels bad at the moment because we haven’t had a great week, or two or three weeks,” Carrick said.
Brighton v Arsenal, Everton v Ipswich, Newcastle v Hull, Nottingham Forest v Coventry (1630)
Sunday (1300 unless stated) Bournemouth v Liverpool, Leeds v Crystal Palace, Manchester City v Sunderland, Fulham v Manchester United (1530)
AFP
