Michael Carrick defends Man Utd duo after Carabao Cup defeat

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has offered public support to young defenders Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven following the club's Carabao Cup third-round exit. United suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Wednesday, surrendering an early two-goal lead at Old Trafford.

The fixture marked the first time the duo started together in central defence this season. Their performance drew sharp criticism, notably from pundit Jamie Redknapp, who described their display as "inept." Despite the external pressure, Carrick insisted the result was a collective failure rather than an individual one.

I wouldn't isolate them at all. They are in a really good spot as two young players who have really good futures. Unfortunately you go through times in football where you have good spells and times where you learn a lot when things haven’t gone so well. Michael Carrick

Significant attention remains on the 20-year-old Yoro, who joined in July 2024 for £52.2 million. United fended off interest from Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool to sign the Frenchman. Carrick emphasized that the club remains fully committed to his development and will not make knee-jerk decisions based on a single game.

United must now pivot their focus to Sunday's Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage. It is widely expected that Carrick will recall his established centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire to restore defensive stability.