Manchester United manager Michael Carrick stated that his players will use the frustration and perceived injustice from their recent derby defeat as motivation to improve their performance. The team is reportedly still incensed by the decision to allow Erling Haaland's winning goal against them, particularly as a Manchester City teammate was in an offside position and deemed to have interfered with play. Refereeing officials have since acknowledged an error in the VAR decision.
Carrick's side has secured only four points from their initial four Premier League matches this season. Ahead of their Carabao Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, Carrick believes the controversy surrounding the derby goal will galvanize his squad. "It does give you something to use moving forward when something like that happens," Carrick commented. "The players have got an edge. I think they’ve shown that to me since I’ve been here. We’ve had setbacks, and they’ve bounced back particularly well and had some really good performances and good results."
Despite the disappointing start, Carrick emphasized the need to move forward and secure victories. "We’ve got to win games. We’ve won a lot of games, and we need to continue to do that. I understand it’s a new season, and the points tally right now is not what we want it to be – I’m not hiding from that. It’s getting that winning feeling, getting the habit. It’s easier said than done, of course, but we’re capable of it."
United faces Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a fixture that holds significance as Brighton eliminated United from the FA Cup at Old Trafford shortly before Carrick took over in January.
Carrick indicated that while squad rotation is a consideration for the cup match, he must balance it with the need to secure results. "Obviously, there are decisions that we have to make. It’s important for us to win football matches, and it’s important that we manage the squad as well and keep everyone up to speed; keep everyone ready and part of it. But we’re certainly going into Wednesday trying to win the game."
Regarding player availability, Carrick is awaiting an update on Luke Shaw's fitness for the Brighton match. Shaw was replaced in recent games by Patrick Dorgu. Amad Diallo and Matthijs De Ligt continue their recovery processes.
"He (Shaw) could possibly be fit for Brighton, but it’s not clear-cut," said Carrick. "It’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else. Pat played fantastically well the other night (against Sabah), and I thought he did a lot of good things (against City). That's why we've got the squad, to fill in different things. Injuries aren’t ideal, but we’ve got to deal with them."
Carrick added that Diallo is not close to returning, and De Ligt is still working his way back. Carlos Baleba has begun training after recovering from an ankle injury sustained before his summer transfer from Brighton. While Baleba will not be ready to face his former club, Carrick expects him to rejoin the group within the next week, positioning him for a return after the international break. "Carlos came here injured and then he’s desperate to get out there and be part of the group and train fully with the boys. He’s a quality player, that’s why we brought him."