Another big decision is looming for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Michael Carrick aims to land the Manchester United job long-term
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: 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. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as interim boss at Newcastle(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was given fresh food for thought as Manchester United's new manager bounce came to a halt against 10-man Newcastle. Michael Carrick saw his unbeaten start to life as interim boss end with a 2-1 loss at St James' Park, where home midfielder Jacob Ramsey collected a second booking for an apparent dive during a dramatic end to the first half.
Despite that, Anthony Gordon fired Newcastle ahead from the spot, only for Casemiro to level even later in stoppage time. United couldn't make their extra tell in the second half as Will Osula's stunning sole effort sealed the points for Eddie Howe's side.
The defeat has not undone Carrick's good work since he took over in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sacking and he remains a contender to land the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Ratcliffe's mistake
The majority shareholder will be especially cautious over his next appointment after admitting the club got it wrong by handing Erik ten Hag a one-year extension. The Dutchman was at the helm when the INEOS billionaire bought into the club.
Ten Hag oversaw a largely wretched 2023/24 campaign, saved by the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. That helped him land a new deal, only for him to be sacked the following October and replacing him with Amorim.
Ratcliffe subsequently admitted that keeping Ten Hag on after the FA Cup win and hiring Dan Ashworth as sporting director were errors of judgment. He told Sky Sports last year: "I agree the Erik ten Tag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors. I think there were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately they were errors. I accept that and I apologise for that."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag
Ratcliffe admitted he got it wrong by extending Erik teg Hag's contract(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Carrick summoned
Ratcliffe has clearly been left impressed by Carrick's stewardship of a side that lacked direction under Amorim. After January's win at leaders Arsenal, Carrick delayed his post-match media duties to have a private chat with Ratcliffe.
Asked later about the exchange with the United co-owner, Carrick told Viaplay: "No, not much as you would expect, I think. There's a lot of happy bodies around the camp today and he's delighted as well. So it was nice to see him."
The exchange suggested there was already a good rapport between the manager and his boss.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Carrick has impressed Ratcliffe(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Spiky interview
Understandably, Carrick wasn't in a jovial mood following the defeat at Newcastle. But his mood appeared to darken further when it was put to him that his side had lacked character by TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach.
She asked: "You've shown so much character in your games, why was that lacking?" Carrick swiftly responded: "It wasn't. It wasn't." An uncomfortable silence ensued as Breach could be heard saying: "Okay."
Michael Carrick
Carrick bristled at questions following the defeat at Newcastle(Image: TNT Sports)
View 4 Images
Carrick went on: "It's easy to feel that just because you don't win a game of football. Just general things, the quality."
The former midfielder gave another prickly answer when pressed to clarify what was missing from the display. He said: "We've lost one game, alright? We haven't played well enough, but in the grand scheme of things, we're in a decent position."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image