Michael Carrick tasted defeat for the first time as Manchester United head coach on Wednesday night, with the biggest problem completely avoidable if he wants to fix it.
Newcastle deserved the win, but not because they were overly impressive; more Manchester United were really bad and looked disinterested from the very start.
The loss had been coming for weeks, with results papering over cracks, but after United lost 2-1 to Newcastle, there is no hiding from the issues coming to light.
Michael Carrick can fix things and still make himself the permanent manager, but it can only happen if he decides he is serious about getting the job. In particular, the one glaring issue within the performances lately is solvable.
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
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Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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Manchester United’s sharpness issue is a direct result of training changes
This season had seen Ruben Amorim, to his credit, get United’s players really fit and capable of playing an intense brand of football, which hadn’t been the case for years. This will have been done in training, with plenty of running.
However, Carrick shortened training sessions for United, with less physical work being done, with increased on-ball work. The risk-reward of this decision was that United are better in tight spaces on the ball. But in terms of physically, United look slow and lethargic right now.
The fitness within the squad has slowly declined from the brilliant performances we saw in early weeks, with the levels of footballing displays also suffering.
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United’s players have struggled as a result, impacting all aspects of the game and the pace at which the team plays.
Carrick’s training has been impressive at Carrington, but he’s clearly not keeping the team fit enough to compete with other sides that work hard and play intense football.
The worst thing was Newcastle didn’t look like they were down to 10 men.
What is your MESSAGE to Michael Carrick after his first defeat as Man Utd boss?
Michael Carrick instructs his players during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick needs to rethink the training plan if he wants permanent head coach role
The players have reportedly been enjoying training sessions, but of course, they have, given that they were working less intensely. Instead, Carrick’s sessions have brought good feelings to the squad, and it has carried him until now.
However, this cannot continue, because if the player’s level of sharpness is at the level it was against Newcastle for the rest of this season, Champions League football will suddenly become a doubt.
The biggest indication of this is that United’s worst and most lethargic performances have been after the long break in games in February.
Carrick’s short sessions are good for the short term, but if he wants to become permanent, then he needs to rethink his plan and get the players back to working hard and caring less about making the team smile.
The sharpness issue has caught up with Carrick, and he now has 11 days to either fix this or Ineos will need to get a move on with the recruitment drive.
Carrick will win or lose the job in the next 11 days. Hopefully it’s the former, unless he doesn’t actually want the permanent role.
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