Michael Carrick admitted defeat “hurts” after Manchester United suffered a 2–1 loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday — the first time he has been beaten since taking charge at Old Trafford.

Substitute William Osula struck a dramatic late winner for the 10-man hosts at St James’ Park, dealing a blow to United’s hopes of securing UEFA Champions League qualification.

Former United midfielder Carrick, who was appointed manager in January, had enjoyed an impressive start to life in the role. Before the defeat in Newcastle, he had won six and drawn one of his first seven matches in charge. He was also unbeaten during a previous interim spell as United boss in 2021.

The match produced a chaotic end to the first half after Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second bookable offence. Newcastle quickly took the lead when Anthony Gordon converted from the penalty spot, but United responded soon after as Casemiro headed home an equaliser.

Despite playing with a numerical advantage for the entire second half, United failed to make it count. Osula ultimately settled the contest in stoppage time, bursting down the right flank before cutting inside and curling an unstoppable strike past goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

“We are not happy with the way we played tonight,” Carrick told TNT Sports.

“The way the game panned out we had it largely in our hands, but credit to Newcastle and the way they approached it.

“We knew it would be tough but we navigated the game to a position where we could kick on, but we didn’t. Bitterly disappointed really.

“I don’t think it was the 10 men — we just didn’t play well enough. We can’t make excuses for that. We all take responsibility for that.”

Despite the setback, Carrick stressed that his team must quickly move on as they continue their push to finish in the top five of the Premier League.

“We need to get back to work and be better for the next game,” he said.

“We’ve lost one game, we haven’t played well enough, but in the grand scheme of things we are in a decent position. Tonight hurts but we will be better for the next one.

“You have to get back at it, work hard and do the things we did to win the games we’ve won. We can do that — we are a good team. Tonight wasn’t for us.”