Manchester United manager Michael Carrick admitted “defeat hurts” after his side fell 2-1 to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday night marking his first loss since taking charge in January.
United had gone unbeaten in Carrick’s opening seven matches, winning six and drawing one, but were undone by a late strike from substitute William Osula, who curled home the winner for the 10-man hosts.
How the Match Unfolded
The game turned chaotic late in the first half when Jacob Ramsey was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Newcastle seized the momentum, with Anthony Gordon converting from the penalty spot before Casemiro equalised for United.
Despite their numerical advantage, United failed to press home the initiative in the second half. Osula’s decisive run and finish in the closing stages sealed victory for Newcastle, denting United’s push for Champions League qualification.
Carrick’s Reaction
Speaking to TNT Sports, Carrick expressed disappointment in his team’s performance:
“We are not happy the way we played tonight. The way the game panned out we had it in our hands largely but credit to Newcastle and the way they approached it. Bitterly disappointed really.”
Carrick dismissed suggestions that the red card should have given United control, insisting his side simply “didn’t play good enough.”
Looking Ahead
United remain third in the Premier League table and in contention for a top-five finish. Carrick urged his players to regroup quickly:
“We’ve lost one game, we haven’t played well enough but in the grand scheme of things we are in a decent position. Tonight hurts but we will be better for the next one.”
The manager emphasised the need to “get back at it, work hard and do the things we did to win the games we’ve won” as United look to bounce back in their next fixture.
