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Carabao Cup: Carrick highlights fierce competition for places at Manchester United
16th September, 2026 02:18 PM
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says competition for places within his squad is increasing as the Reds prepare to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
United return to action only a few days after suffering a narrow defeat to Manchester City in the derby, with Carrick keen for his side to respond quickly and begin another cup campaign on a positive note.
The Carabao Cup provides United with an opportunity to put Sunday’s disappointment behind them, with the club having previously lifted the trophy in 2023.
Writing in the matchday programme, Carrick stressed the importance of progressing from the third-round tie as the team prepares for a demanding run of fixtures before the upcoming international break.
“Sunday’s Manchester derby was extremely frustrating for a number of reasons,” Carrick admits, “but now we have to move on quickly and get back to winning ways.
“The fixtures are coming thick and fast ahead of the international break next week; we have a squad full of talent with everybody pushing to play.
“As a group of coaches, players and staff, we want to play as many games as we possibly can this season, so we need to progress through matches like this one and make sure we keep competing on every front.
“Your support on Sunday was brilliant, as always, and no-one at the club takes it for granted that we can once again count on you to get behind the team this evening.”
Carrick’s comments underline the level of competition within the United squad, with players looking to make an impression as the fixtures begin to arrive at a quicker rate.
The Brighton encounter also gives United the chance to continue their involvement in the competition and maintain their pursuit of silverware across multiple fronts this season.
With another Premier League fixture approaching after the cup tie, Carrick will have to manage his squad carefully while assessing which players deserve an opportunity against Brighton.
United will also be looking to make home advantage count as they attempt to produce a response following the derby setback.
The meeting with Brighton therefore represents more than just another cup fixture, with United aiming to regain momentum and keep their season moving in the right direction.
