Carrick admits defeat stings following initial setback as Manchester United manager

Michael Carrick admitted that the loss stings after Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday, marking his first loss in charge of the club.

Substitute William Osula netted the decisive goal for the hosts, who were down to ten players at St James' Park, which hampered United's efforts to secure a Champions League spot.

Carrick, a former midfielder for United, assumed control at Old Trafford in January and had previously triumphed in six matches while drawing the other from his seven outings prior to this Newcastle visit.

He also remained undefeated in an earlier temporary role back in 2021.

The match turned chaotic at the end of the first half when Jacob Ramsey received a second yellow card, leading to Anthony Gordon converting a penalty for Newcastle before Casemiro levelled the score.

However, United could not make the most of their numerical superiority after the break, and Osula delivered a brilliant finish late on, charging along the right flank, moving inwards, and bending a superb shot beyond Senne Lammens.

"We are far from satisfied with our performance this evening," Carrick shared with TNT Sports.

"Given how events unfolded, we largely held the upper hand, yet full marks to Newcastle for their approach.

"We anticipated a challenge, but we steered the contest to a point where we could push forward, only to fall short. Deeply gutted about it.

"It was not due to their reduced numbers; we simply did not perform adequately. No justifications allowed. Everyone shares the blame."

Carrick noted that his side, sitting third in the Premier League table, "must return to training and improve for the upcoming fixture" to clinch a top five position.

"One defeat behind us, and we underperformed, but overall our standing remains solid," he added. "This one bites, yet it will sharpen us for what follows.

"Bounce back swiftly, put in the effort, and replicate our winning formula from past successes. We possess that capability; we are a strong unit. This evening did not reflect our best."