Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces a big decision over Michael Carrick's future after owning up to mistakes
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as interim boss at Newcastle(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe was given fresh cause for reflection as Manchester United's new manager momentum came to a halt against 10-man Newcastle.
Michael Carrick's unbeaten run as interim boss ended with a 2-1 defeat at St James' Park, where home midfielder Jacob Ramsey was sent off during a dramatic end to the first half. Anthony Gordon then put Newcastle in front from the penalty spot, only for Casemiro to equalise even later in stoppage time.
United failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage in the second half as Will Osula's stunning solo goal secured the points for Eddie Howe's team. The loss hasn't undone Carrick's positive impact since he stepped in following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, and he remains a potential candidate for the permanent role come summer.
Ratcliffe's error
Ratcliffe will exercise particular caution over his next appointment after acknowledging the club erred in granting Erik ten Hag a one-year extension. The Dutchman was in charge when the INEOS billionaire invested in the club.
Ten Hag presided over a largely dismal 2023/24 season, redeemed by the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City. This success contributed to him securing a new contract, only for him to be dismissed the following October and replaced by Amorim.
Ratcliffe later conceded that retaining Ten Hag following the FA Cup victory and appointing Dan Ashworth as sporting director were missteps. Speaking to Sky Sports last year, he said: "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 ten Hag's contract(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Carrick summoned
It's clear that Ratcliffe has been impressed by Carrick's management of a team that seemed rudderless under Amorim. Following January's victory over league leaders Arsenal, Carrick delayed his post-match media obligations to have a private conversation with Ratcliffe.
When questioned about his interaction 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 hinted at an already positive relationship between the manager and his boss
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Carrick has impressed Ratcliffe(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Tense interview
Understandably, Carrick wasn't in high spirits after the loss at Newcastle. However, his mood seemed to sour further when TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach suggested his team had lacked character.
She asked: "You've shown so much character in your games, why was that lacking?" Carrick quickly retorted: "It wasn't. It wasn't." A palpable silence followed, and Breach was heard to say: "Okay."
Michael Carrick
Carrick bristled at questions following the defeat at Newcastle(Image: TNT Sports)
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Carrick continued: "It's easy to feel that just because you don't win a game of football. Just general things, the quality."
The ex-midfielder provided another terse response when asked to elaborate on what was lacking in the performance. 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."