Michael Carrick accepted responsibility after Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup third round at Old Trafford.
United appeared to be in control after teenager Shea Lacey scored early in his first senior start before Mason Mount doubled the advantage in the 10th minute.
Brighton responded just before half-time when Charalampos Kostoulas pulled a goal back.
The visitors completed the comeback in the second half. Pascal Gross equalised in the 65th minute before Maxim De Cuyper scored four minutes later to put Brighton ahead.
The result marked the first time in 50 years that United had lost a home match after taking a 2-0 lead. Their previous defeat from such a position at Old Trafford came against Tottenham Hotspur in September 1976.
United were booed by supporters at the final whistle, adding to the pressure surrounding Carrick following a difficult start to the season.
The manager said the team had allowed a match that appeared to be under control to slip away and accepted responsibility for the second-half performance.
Carrick had made eight changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, with the decision exposing concerns over the depth of his squad.
The League Cup exit means United have already suffered three defeats in their opening six matches across all competitions. The club also failed to progress beyond the opening rounds of either domestic cup competition last season.
Carrick, who guided United to third place during his spell as interim manager last season before taking the job permanently, said the team needed to respond quickly.
United’s next match is away to Fulham in the Premier League on Sept 20, giving Carrick and his players little time to recover from the disappointing cup exit.
The defeat has increased scrutiny on the team and its early-season performances, while United will now focus on improving their league results after their League Cup campaign ended earlier than expected.
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