Manchester United's unbeaten run under Michael Carrick came crashing down when they lost to 10-man Newcastle United and he has problems to deal with
08:06, 05 Mar 2026Updated 08:08, 05 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick's unbeaten run at Manchester United is over
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Michael Carrick's unbeaten run at Manchester United is over
Manchester United's unbeaten run under Michael Carrick came to a crashing halt on Wednesday night as his team lost to 10-man Newcastle United.
Despite holding the numerical advantage thanks to another controversial red card suffered by their opponents, United fell to a 2-1 defeat due to a late wondergoal from William Osula, after Casemiro had cancelled out Anthony Gordon's opener and Magpies midfielder Jacob Ramsey had received his marching orders for supposedly diving.
United remain in third thanks to Aston Villa's 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea, and Liverpool losing 2-1 away at Wolves, but the disappointing loss means the Red Devils missed the opportunity to put distance between them and the other sides competing for Champions League qualification, hurting their bid for a top four finish. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo's current deal at Manchester United runs until 2027
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Kobbie Mainoo's current deal at Manchester United runs until 2027(Image: Getty Images)
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Mainoo contract problem
Kobbie Mainoo is confronting what has been characterised as a "lingering contract problem" that could hinder attempts to prolong his tenure at the club, , reports the Mirror.
The 20-year-old's transition to senior football has been far from smooth. Following his emergence as the latest bright talent from the club's academy, Mainoo initially secured his position as a crucial presence in midfield.
Nevertheless, he subsequently found himself marginalised under previous manager Ruben Amorim.A summer departure appeared inevitable.
However, Carrick's appointment brought an instant transformation, with the interim manager reinstating Mainoo in the starting XI. Since that point, the midfielder has not only reclaimed consistent playing time but has arguably been displaying the finest form of his fledgling career.
Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager
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Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager(Image: Getty Images)
Despite his increasing importance, Mainoo remains amongst the squad's lowest-paid players, currently earning approximately £20,000 per week.
His current contract extends until 2027, with the club possessing an option for an additional 12 months, and discussions regarding an enhanced deal have been progressing for considerable time.
According to the Daily Mail, there had been encouragement in January when Mainoo allegedly reduced his salary expectations in an attempt to secure an agreement.
Nevertheless, Amorim's exit - and Mainoo's revival under Carrick - may have altered the negotiation landscape. With his significance to the side now substantially increased, it remains uncertain whether Mainoo will reconsider his wage demands, a development that could extend talks.
Despite this, the England international is believed to be comfortable and satisfied, and there is mounting belief that he will pledge his long-term future to his childhood club.
Banned player apologises
Jack Fletcher of Manchester United
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Jack Fletcher of Manchester United
United's young talent Jack Fletcher has expressed regret for using a homophobic slur during an EFL Trophy match against Barnsley earlier this season.
The 18-year-old, son of ex-Red Devils midfielder and current United U18s coach Darren Fletcher, received a six-match suspension from the FA for the offensive remark.
Fletcher was shown a red card during the contentious match, which happened back in October. He used the derogatory term during a heated exchange with an opponent, who reportedly made remarks about his father and twin brother, Tyler.
It's believed that Fletcher responded furiously, questioning how the player knew so much about his personal life and, in doing so, uttered a homophobic insult. He was subsequently charged by the FA and fined £1,500.
Following the penalty, the teenager stated he had not meant to cause offence but recognised his mistake and accepted the punishment. "I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment," he said in a statement.
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"Despite the fact that I had no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game. I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values."