Carrick backs Yoro and Heaven despite Brighton exit

Man Utd’s Carabao Cup campaign ended on Wednesday night as Brighton overturned a 2‑0 lead inside ten minutes, eliminating United from the competition and leaving assistant manager Michael Carrick to defend the young centre‑back pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Future partnership highlighted

United staff regard Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as a partnership for the future, and Wednesday’s third‑round clash against the Seagulls was the first time this season they started together. The pair were thrust into the spotlight after being criticised for their performances in the defeat. Their combined experience will be built on despite the loss.

United surged ahead, leading 2‑0 inside ten minutes, but a dreadful capitulation saw Brighton fight back and dump Carrick’s side out of the competition. The Seagulls equalised through a goal in which both Yoro and Heaven were culpable, and a third goal again exposed their positioning. The defeat ended United’s Carabao Cup run.

Media criticism intensifies

pundit Jamie Redknapp savaged the pair for their ‘inept’ performances, saying the inexperience of the two young centre‑backs was evident. “I have no doubt the two of them will be on the phone to their agent asking why I am not playing at the moment,” he added. Redknapp’s harsh verdict added pressure on the duo.

Assistant manager Michael Carrick defended Yoro, recalling that United started the game well and that the youngster will learn from the experience. “It’s not about them, I think they will learn from different experiences and have done particularly well,” Carrick said. He also praised Heaven, noting the teenager endured a tough evening but remains a promising prospect.

Since taking charge in January, Carrick has preferred Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as his centre‑back pairing, yet he insisted ahead of Sunday’s league match with Fulham that Yoro and Heaven remain firmly in his plans. The assistant manager stressed that the young duo are in a “really good spot” and that setbacks are part of their development. United travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday to face Fulham.

The Carabao Cup exit serves as a harsh lesson, but Carrick’s public backing suggests United will continue to nurture Yoro and Heaven as part of the club’s long‑term defensive strategy. Their next test arrives at Craven Cottage, where performance will determine whether the pair can regain confidence.