Manchester United lost for the first time under Michael Carrick, but fans can rest assured knowing significant progress has been made since the beginning of the year.
It was disappointing as Manchester United lost 2-1 against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday night. The performance was lacklustre, even though the Magpies were reduced to 10-men after Jacob Ramsey’s second yellow card for simulation.
Anthony Gordon gave Newcastle the lead from the spot after winning a penalty from Bruno Fernandes, but United wasted no time finding an equaliser through Casemiro.
A dire second half from United followed as William Osula came off the bench to become the first substitute to score a 90th-minute winner against the Red Devils.
Here are five reasons why United fans shouldn’t panic after Carrick’s first defeat as United head coach.
What is your MESSAGE to Michael Carrick after his first defeat as Man Utd boss?
Michael Carrick instructs his players during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick giving instructions to Bruno Fernandes
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Man Utd remain third in the Premier League
United’s recent run under Carrick has put the team in a healthy position, especially when you compare the struggles Ruben Amorim faced to climb into the Premier League’s top four.
Arsenal are on top of the Premier League table with a game in hand and seven points more than second-place Man City, while United are third with the same amount of points (51) as Aston Villa.
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United must focus on themselves for the rest of the season because they currently hold the key to third place, which would secure a place in the Champions League.
One defeat in 12 league matches
The defeat to Newcastle means United’s impressive 11-match unbeaten run in the Premier League has come to an end.
United had become the most in-form team in the country, with the run starting on Boxing Day when Amorim’s side beat Newcastle on Boxing Day.
It’s now a matter of United dusting themselves off after the latest setback. The positives from the recent run certainly outweigh the negatives.
An immediate objective could be to ensure United go on another unbeaten run, with more wins than draws, for the remainder of the season.
Playing four at the back
The biggest sigh of relief after Carrick’s return came when he reverted to a back four system. That means no back three system or wing-backs, which were two elements of Amorim’s flawed system during his 14-month reign at Old Trafford.
While Carrick has stuck with the same back four for most games, the 44-year-old was forced to make changes on Wednesday night with Lisandro Martinez still out injured. He also opted to start Noussair Mazraoui ahead of Diogo Dalot at right back.
The biggest positive from this is that Carrick is trying to add stability to his defence by playing them together as regularly as he can. In contrast, Amorim was known for chopping and changing his defence before and during games.
Credit where it’s due, Joshua Zirkzee played well when he came on
Should Zirkzee be in line for a start any time soon?
Joshua Zirkzee reacts after his shot is saved by Aaron Ramsdale during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool are inconsistent
It bodes well for United’s Champions League hopes that Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool are so inconsistent.
This was a common criticism of United before the start of 2026, but the Red Devils have shown much more consistency since Carrick’s temporary appointment.
Chelsea beat Villa 4-1 on Wednesday night, but 24 hours before that, Liverpool lost 2-1 against bottom-of-the-league Wolves.
United must get back to winning ways when they host Villa on March 15.
It’s Carrick, you know
United need a calm presence and Carrick is exactly that.
As a player and coach, Carrick knows what it is like to suffer setbacks and what is needed to bounce back.
Not every decision he makes will be right, but one thing is certain: Carrick will do what he thinks is best for United.
There were times under Amorim when I felt the Portuguese coach was embarking on an ego trip, but Carrick genuinely loves this club and will do everything he can for the team to succeed.
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