Michael Carrick used Matheus Cunha’s attacking position on the pitch to spotlight what went wrong for Manchester United against 10-man Newcastle on Wednesday.
Matheus Cunha resumed his role out on the left wing for the visit to St James’ Park and the 26-year-old Brazilian forward saw out the full 90 minutes of the match.
However, the Manchester United summer signing, much like Benjamin Sesko or Bryan Mbeumo, struggled to have a meaningful impact against Newcastle.
Michael Carrick watched on from the touchline at St James’ Park as 10-man Newcastle stunned Man Utd in the dying stages of Wednesday evening’s contest.
READ MORE: Bryan Mbeumo’s ‘really quiet’ performance vs Newcastle has Man Utd fans all thinking same thing after defeat
Matheus Cunha vies with Anthony Elanga during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, in 2026.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
Loss to 10-men Everton under Amorim vs Loss to 10-men Newcastle under Carrick
Which defeat is worse? Did Carrick repeat any Amorim mistake from that game?
Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick as Man Utd managers
Ruben Amorim vs Everton and Michael Carrick vs Newcastle as Man Utd managers
Michael Carrick speaks on Matheus Cunha and the other Man Utd players after his frustrations against Newcastle
Michael Carrick was spotted during the second half trying to motivate his Manchester United first-team players to provide more urgency on the ball against Newcastle.
However, United failed to pounce on Newcastle’s disadvantage in the second half after Jacob Ramsey was sent off in the first half of injury time on Wednesday.
More United News
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Carrick was asked about his commands from the touchline, including wanting the ball to be played down the left.
The 44-year-old United legend admitted that even Matheus Cunha found himself too close to the touchline on the left wing instead of having space to cut in.
“No, we had Cunha playing on the touchline today, he played wide, so we had width in the team,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“I’m not going to dissect the performance. There were some decent bits, but lots of bits we need to get better at.”
READ MORE: Man Utd fans have lot to say about Joshua Zirkzee’s role after cameo in 2-1 defeat against Newcastle
Who was Manchester United’s most disappointing player vs Newcastle?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s reaction to Man Utd’s first defeat under his interim Old Trafford managerial reign
Despite his comments around Cunha, Carrick refused to pin the blame on any single United player after the Red Devils’ first major setback under his interim reign so far.
The Red Devils interim head coach admitted that he was disappointed that United were unable to secure any Premier League points on their visit to St James’ Park.
“The boys have been good, we’ve played well and had a lot of results,” Carrick added.
“So, we’ve lost the game tonight, of course, the boys, myself, the players and staff, we’re all hoping for a little more, but it didn’t happen for us.”
Man Utd will now return to Premier League action at Old Trafford on 15th March and the Red Devils will host Aston Villa for a 2pm kick-off in the UK.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox