Carrick Backs Yoro and Heaven After Brighton Cup Defeat

Michael Carrick has thrown his support behind Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven after the young Manchester United defenders came under heavy criticism for their display in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.

United raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening ten minutes on Wednesday night, but a collapse followed and Brighton fought back to knock them out in the third round. It was the first time this season that Yoro and Heaven had started together, a partnership United staff see as part of the club’s future.

Redknapp Questions Youngsters’ Experience

Heaven had a particularly difficult evening, at fault for Brighton’s opening goal, while both defenders shared responsibility for the equaliser. Their positioning was questioned again for the third. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described the performances as “inept” and said the inexperience of the two centre-backs was plain to see. He suggested that displays like this explain why the pair have not featured more often.

Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been Carrick’s preferred partnership since he took charge in January. Even so, the United boss insisted ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham that Yoro and Heaven remain firmly in his plans.

Carrick: “I Wouldn’t Isolate Them at All”

Carrick said United started the game well and stressed that the blame should not fall on the two players. He believes they will learn from the experience and feels they have performed well overall. Describing them as young players with bright futures, he acknowledged that football brings good spells and hard lessons alike, and said he would not single them out.

United now turn their attention to the league, travelling to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, where Carrick will hope to see his side bounce back from the midweek disappointment. Whether he sticks with his established pairing or gives the youngsters another opportunity remains to be seen.