Bryan-Mbeumo-Man-Utd (2)
It was always going to come sooner rather than later, with Michael Carrick tasting defeat for the first time as Manchester United boss, following Wednesday's trip to St James' Park.
Newcastle United had been the opponents for Ruben Amorim's final win in charge and fittingly were also involved in Carrick's first loss, with substitute Will Osula securing the win in stoppage time for the ten-man Magpies.
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To their credit, the hosts barely missed a beat despite losing Jacob Ramsey just before the break, with Anthony Gordon deservedly putting Eddie Howe's side ahead, prior to Casemiro's glanced equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
The Red Devils may well have hoped to kick on from then on, but a limp first-half was followed by a muted second, albeit with Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee both denied by Aaron Ramsdale late on.
In truth, following a string of unconvincing performances, this result was no real shock for the Manchester side, with Bryan Mbeumo among those to endure another off night on Tyneside.
Bryan Mbeumo's frustrating display in numbers vs Newcastle
Carrick had opted to deploy the same frontline to the one which largely toiled last time out against Crystal Palace, with Amad again the casualty of Benjamin Sesko's inclusion in the starting lineup.
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That decision not to start the lively Ivorian appeared to backfire, it must be said, with the aforementioned Mbeumo, fresh from his quiet display on Sunday, having again been off the pace on the right flank.
The former Brentford man's biggest error came in the first half, having uncharacteristically fired over the bar with the goal gaping, following fine work from Matheus Cunha down the left.
Even in the second, the 26-year-old struggled to truly get into the game, while choosing not to strike first time following a typically pinpoint pass from Bruno Fernandes into the penalty area.
Now without a goal since the win over Tottenham Hotspur, United's top scorer this season hasn't quite looked the same player since returning from AFCON, with his recent assists against Everton and West Ham United somewhat masking his lack of all-round impact.
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Mbeumo vs Newcastle
Stat
Minutes
Touches
Pass accuracy
Key passes
Succ. dribbles
Shots
Possession lost
Carries
Total duels won
Fouls
Indeed, with Amad itching to start, Mbeumo - who lost the ball every three touches on Wednesday - may need to make way when Aston Villa come to town next week.
On the evidence of United's showing as a whole, however, he isn't the only one who could be under fire.
Man Utd star may have played himself out of Carrick's starting XI
Right from the word go, the Red Devils - playing a rare midweek game this season - were no match for the pace and power of their rampant opponents, with the towering Joelinton enjoying something of a field day in central midfield.
Chalkboard FFC
The Brazilian bullied his way up the pitch time and again, with young Kobbie Mainoo looking all at sea on what was a rare off night for the Englishman under the Carrick regime.
The last few weeks have seen the 20-year-old reap the rewards of Amorim's exit, although the Portuguese's concerns over his athleticism were perhaps played out against the Magpies.
Mainoo Amorim quotes
So bright of late, Mainoo just couldn't get himself into the game alongside Casemiro, often just a yard short or left scrambling in pursuit of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
The veteran Casemiro, not exactly perfect himself, did at least spray passes forward at will between the lines, although Mainoo's quality in that sense simply wasn't seen, registering zero key passes or chances created, despite boasting a 91% pass accuracy rate.
The youngster's knack for weaving his way up the pitch was also not showcased on this occasion, as he failed to record a single dribble, albeit while seeing an early curling effort palmed away by the impressive Ramsdale.
Out of possession too, Mainoo didn't register a single tackle, prior to being replaced late on as United chased a winner, with the end result showcasing that Carrick's side are very much still a work in progress.
Mainoo-Newcastle-Man-Utd
Of course, the lack of midfield options, Manuel Ugarte aside, may ensure Mainoo simply keeps his place next time around, although one option could be to deploy Fernandes in a deeper role again, with Zirkzee deployed as the link-man ahead of him.
Either way, Mainoo, unfortunately, has given Carrick a decision to make, and while Mbeumo does have credit in the bank for his early-season form, the younger man is still striving for that real extended run of consistency.
Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United