Michael Carrick has stated that Manchester United's players will channel their frustration from Sunday's derby defeat, particularly the contentious winning goal awarded to Manchester City's Erling Haaland, into motivation to improve their dismal start to the season.
The United squad remains aggrieved by the decision to allow Haaland's goal to stand, despite video assistant referee (VAR) officials admitting a mistake was made because teammate Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and interfered with play. The team has secured only four points from their opening four Premier League matches.
Carrick suggested the controversy would galvanize his team ahead of Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford. "It does give you something to use moving forward when something like that happens," Carrick said. "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."
He acknowledged the team's current league position is unsatisfactory but emphasized the need to regain winning momentum. "We’ve got to move on. We’ve still got to look at it for ourselves, and 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."
Carabao Cup Clash with Brighton
Manchester United faces Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a team that eliminated them from the FA Cup at Old Trafford shortly before Carrick took over in January. While Carrick may consider rotating his squad, he cautioned against excessive changes, citing the need for stability after adjustments made during a recent Champions League match.
"Obviously, there are decisions that we have to make," Carrick added. "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."
Injury Updates
Carrick is assessing the fitness of left-back Luke Shaw, who missed the derby and was replaced by Patrick Dorgu in recent matches. Shaw could potentially return for the Brighton game, though his availability is not definitively confirmed. "He (Shaw) could possibly be fit for Brighton, but it’s not clear-cut," Carrick stated. "It’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else."
Amad Diallo and Matthijs De Ligt are still recovering from their respective injuries. Diallo is not expected to be available in the immediate future, while De Ligt is continuing his rehabilitation. "Amad is not quite close in terms of days, but we’ll see as the week progresses. And Matta’s just working his way back really. Because of how it’s been, I don’t really want to put too much of a timeframe on it."
Carlos Baleba has resumed training after an ankle injury sustained before his summer transfer from Brighton. Although he will not be ready to play against his former club, Carrick anticipates Baleba will rejoin the squad fully within the next week, positioning him to be in good shape after the international break. "He’ll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so. That means he should be in good shape 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."