Michael Carrick has urged Manchester United to use the disappointment of their derby defeat to Manchester City as motivation when they face Brighton in the League Cup.
United were unable to take advantage of Phil Foden’s first-half red card at Old Trafford on Sunday and were eventually punished when Erling Haaland scored a controversial winner in the 60th minute.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside by the on-field officials, but VAR overturned the decision despite City’s Enzo Fernandez, who was clearly in an offside position, being judged to have interfered with play.
Refereeing body Pro Ref later acknowledged an “error of judgement”, stating that the video assistant referee should have recommended an on-field review.
Carrick said United must put the defeat behind them and focus on returning to winning ways when they host Brighton in Wednesday’s League Cup third-round fixture.
“I understand it’s a new season, it’s a fresh season, and the points tally right now is not what we want it to be, so I’m not hiding from that,” he said.
“But it’s more (about) getting winning games, getting that feeling, getting the habit. It’s easier said than done, of course it is, but we’re capable of it.”
United defender Lisandro Martinez described the controversial derby decision as an “injustice”, and Carrick believes the frustration surrounding the incident can provide extra motivation for his players against Brighton.
“The players have got an edge,” he said. “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, so they’ve got an edge.
“It does give you something when something like that happens (on Sunday) to use moving forward.”
United face a difficult challenge against a Brighton side that has been in strong form. Brighton defeated Coventry 5-0 on Sunday and have also won four of their last five visits to Old Trafford across all competitions.
Source: AFP
