Michael Carrick admitted he was disappointed with his team’s performance after suffering his first defeat as [**Manchester United](https://www.vavel.com/en/data/manchester-united)**manager against his boyhood club, Newcastle United, last night.
Newcastle were deserving of their three points and showed resilience even after going a man down, when Jacob Ramsey was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after appearing to dive in the box in an attempt to win a penalty.
The Magpies would, in fact, be awarded a penalty just minutes later, and Anthony Gordon continued his excellent record from 12 yards to put Newcastle in front. Manchester United responded before the break, with Casemiro heading home from a set piece to bring the visitors level before half-time.
It looked as though the Red Devils would come away from the North East with a respectable point. Still, a stunning strike from William Osula put that to bed, giving Newcastle United an important victory and bringing an end to the unbeaten start to the new year for both Michael Carrick and Manchester United.
Speaking after the match, Carrick admitted that Newcastle United were deserving winners on Tyneside, as Manchester United suffered their first defeat of 2026.
"We did not play well enough tonight.
" We cannot find any excuses.
"It was simply a matter of quality, not character.
"We wanted to win, and it pains me to say it, but Newcastle deserved to win."
Carrick continued*: "We are not satisfied with our performance.*
"We knew it would be difficult, but it was a match within our reach.
"We are deeply disappointed."