Man United should axe duo vs Fulham, one is a shadow of the player he was

Michael Carrick must get ruthless with his Manchester United team ahead of Sunday's trip to Fulham.

Wednesday saw his team crash out of the Carabao Cup after losing 3-2 to Brighton, giving up a two-goal lead at Old Trafford for the first time in over 50 years.

Goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount had the Red Devils comfortably ahead after just 10 minutes of action, but calamitous defending saw the Seagulls come back through Charalampos Kostoulas and Pascal Gross before Maxim De Cuyper's winner.

Man United have now lost consecutive games at Old Trafford and could slip towards the Premier League relegation zone if they do not win on Sunday.

Carrick was appointed after a brilliant second half of last season as interim manager, but he must now prove that he can coach his team out of a potential crisis.

An extended international break could give Man United the perfect window to make a change in the dugout if Sunday does not go the 45-year-old's way.

Diogo Dalot must be dropped

In many ways, it is impressive that Diogo Dalot is still able to call himself a Man United player.

The 27-year-old joined the club in 2018 and has constantly proved that he is not at the standard for the Red Devils.

Wednesday's game saw him do it yet again. The full-back gave away the ball in the build up to Gross' goal, playing an aimless ball towards Benjamin Sesko that was cut out.

Dalot then went one better, allowing De Cuyper the freedom of the Man United box to be picked out and score the winner, choosing to mark the space in front of the goalkeeper rather than his man.

With Luke Shaw likely able to return at left-back on Sunday, Noussair Mazraoui must be brought in at right-back.

Marcus Rashford has run out of chances

Marcus Rashford was not expected to be at Man United this summer, but it was hoped that he would be a welcome addition.

The 28-year-old netted 14 goals and provided 11 assists for Barcelona last season - a return that would be massively helpful for Carrick's team.

But so far, Rashford has looked a shadow of the player he was in Spain. He won just four of nine duels against Brighton and when presented with a huge chance - one versus one with Jason Steele - his shot was straight at the advancing goalkeeper.

Carrick is struggling for in-form attackers, but it is clear that the England international is not helping matters in the final third.

Lacey on the other hand, scored a superb strike against Brighton and was a breath of fresh air.

The 19-year-old should keep his place alongside Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.