Under Ruben Amorim, a loss would often kill all of Manchester United's confidence, but even with the last-minute defeat at Newcastle United knocking them off their stride slightly, it doesn't have to be dwelled on for too long, with Michael Carrick's men still comfortably sat inside the top four positions.
Man-Utd-Michael-Carrick-Newcastle
The interim head coach would have felt badly let down by a lot of his first team personnel at St James' Park, as Bryan Mbeumo was way off his usual best in the 2-1 defeat, missing one big opportunity.
Moreover, Benjamin Sesko was uncharacteristically wasteful up top, spurning two of his own efforts on Nick Pope's goal.
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Yet, Carrick will maintain faith in these high-profile attacking names, considering the lethal pairing have seven strikes between them under the stand-in reign to date.
He won't be willing to hand Tyrell Malacia the same amount of gametime, though, as the Dutchman is surely staring the exit door in the face, as his Old Trafford contract finally expires at the end of the season.
Who could leave Man Utd this summer?
Player
Casemiro
Tom Heaton
Harry Maguire
Tyrell Malacia
Malacia heading for the exit door at Man United
United supporters will certainly be sad to see the back of Casemiro when his contract runs out shortly, as the Brazilian has turned into a dependable midfield performer this campaign, away from just his goal at St James' Park.
Whereas, Malacia only reaffirmed why the Red Devils won't be tempted to try and sit down to work out an extension, based on his dire cameo on Tyneside which saw him fail to close down William Osula late on, before he smashed home a stunning winner past Senne Lammens.
This late 14-minute spell was only his second Premier League appearance of the season, and it could well prove to be a disappointing last game in red for the ex-PSV Eindhoven man, who will not be trusted as a late substitute in games to come if United are holding onto a precarious lead.
On a reported wage of £75k-per-week, too, it just makes sense for all parties to get rid, particularly as Carrick and Co also have a youthful Malacia replacement ready to be unleashed into senior action.
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Man Utd's perfect Malacia replacement
You only have to take a quick glance at the United starting XI fielded by Carrick to see the benefits of the Reds Devils persisting with young talent coming through, as homegrown product Kobbie Mainoo has consistently starred with the 44-year-old's arm around his shoulder.
Diego Leon will hope he can become a senior regular in no time, too, with United very short in the left-back spot on the pitch if Malacia were to walk away in the summer, leaving Luke Shaw as the only option on the depleted left channel.
This is where the lightning-quick 18-year-old could come to the rescue, having already shown off his impressive burst of pace and strength to hold off players around him in the U21s this season, scoring a wonderful solo effort back in October.
Malacia has very rarely stood out in the same way in the Theatre of Dreams first team ranks, with no goals or assists coming his way across a largely unmemorable 49 games in the men's team.
Malacia-Manchester-United
Noted as being a "powerhouse" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the exciting Paraguayan could well take to the jump from the academy to the senior fold in his stride, having now featured 16 times for the U21s in total.
Keeping a clean sheet in the Football League Trophy last season, winning a bumper nine tackles and duels against Notts County, it may be a lot to ask Leon to immediately shine when making such a significant jump up, particularly with Patrick Dorgu in the way too.
Diego-Leon-Man-Utd
Yet, he hasn't looked back since ditching his native Paraguay for a chance at glory with United last year, and with Malacia set to leave, everything is falling into place for Leon to gain some formative senior experience very soon.
Casemiro-Man-Utd-Man-City Related
[Forget Anderson & Wharton: Man Utd have "future £100m" Casemiro replacement](https://www.footballfancast.com/not-anderson-wharton-man-utd-have-casemiro-replacement-mainoo/ "Forget Anderson & Wharton: Man Utd have "future £100m" Casemiro replacement")
This Man Utd ace is one of their biggest talents in years