Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Michael Carrick suffered his first loss as Manchester United interim manager
Paul Scholes has jokingly suggested is working miracles at Manchester United after they lost to ten-man Newcastle United. The Reds suffered their first loss since Carrick took over the reins at from
It looked like United were going to wrap up another victory after Eddie Howe's team went down to ten men just before half-time. Having already been booked, Toon star Jacob Ramsey was adjudged to have dived by referee Peter Bankes just before the half ended and
It was a controversial call which proved to be the starting gun to an injury time period which saw Ramsey go for an early shower, Anthony Gordon score a penalty, and Casemiro equalise with a header. The most dramatic moment of the match came in the dying moments as for the Magpies.
After the match, Scholes had a huge dig at the United stars and joked Carrick must be a special manager if he has dragged the current crop of stars up to third in the .
Scholes took to Instagram and wrote: "Michael has definitely got something special about him...cos Utd have been c*** last four games...night." As well as this rant, Scholes also paid tribute to Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali by writing "Tonali" alongside a love-heart emoji.
Disappointed with the result, Carrick refused to make any excuses as his impressive unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt. In his post-match interview, he said: "We're not happy with the way we played the game. The way it panned out.
"It was in our hands largely, but credit to Newcastle. We navigated to be in a position where we felt we should kick on. We didn't, really, so bitterly disappointed. I don't think it was the 10 men, we just didn't play good enough and we can't make excuses."
Despite losing to Newcastle, United will still finish this week in third position. Aston Villa's 4-1 home loss to meant the Midlanders remained in fourth place.
Moreover, also missed out on an opportunity to gain ground on the Reds when they lost to 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. However, with Chelsea moving within three points of United, and boasting a superior goal difference, the Reds cannot afford to concede any more ground to the Blues or their other rivals around the top four.
With United being out of the , Carrick will at least be able to rest his squad ahead of their crucial clash against Villa on March 15, although Unai Emery's side will also be able to do the same having also exited the old competition.
Looking ahead to the future, Carrick insisted his team will recover from the disappointment at St. James' Park. He said: "Tonight is hurtful but we'll be back for the next one.
"You've got to get back at it and work hard and do the things to win the games we've won. We're a good team and we've got good players. Tonight just wasn't for us."