Michael Carrick now has only three competitions to focus on following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit last night.
The Red Devils’ early two-goal lead, which they established inside 10 minutes, was squandered following a dismal performance for the best part of the game.
United fall at first hurdle in League Cup campaign (again)
Reacting on Twitter/X this morning, Samuel Luckhurst pinpointed two factors that have proven ‘costly’ for Carrick – only one of which was in his control, though.
The journalist says that Carrick made the mistake of ‘giving [Karl] Darlow a run-out’, with the summer signing granted his United debut for the tie.
Darlow, 35, joined in July after leaving Leeds United as a free agent. He did not feature throughout pre-season due to injury, but was called upon to replace Senne Lammens for the side’s first cup fixture, and proceeded to concede three goals.
That's absolutely rubbish from Darlow. Dreadful. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 16, 2026
Yet, it remains to be seen if Lammens would’ve actually performed any better, given he has conceded seven goals in the opening four Premier League matches.
Carlos Baleba still awaiting United debut
Luckhurst adds that Carlos Baleba’s continued absence is a problem for Carrick, as he is navigating such fixtures without United’s most expensive signing of the summer window.
The 22-year-old watched on from the stands at Old Trafford as his former club trumped his new one, and he was unable to make any impact in steadying the team.
Baleba is still awaiting his first outing as a Red since making the switch from the Amex after he sustained an ankle ligament injury before the campaign began.
Carlos Baleba continuing his recovery 🤩❤️ pic.twitter.com/eXPkSHKMps
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 14, 2026
However, there are hopes he will be fit in time to start immediately after the lengthy international break, which runs from September 21 to October 6.
Carlos Baleba will be ready to go after the international break, according to the boss 👊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 15, 2026
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