Carrick needs to put Manchester United star on the bench with zero tackles

That time is bound to come sooner or later, as manager Michael Carrick tasted defeat for the first time as Manchester United manager after Wednesday’s visit to St James’s Park.

Newcastle United were the opponents of Ruben Amorim’s last victory and, fittingly, were also involved in Carrick’s first defeat, with substitute Will Osla scoring the winner for the 10-man Magpies in stoppage time.

To their credit, the hosts showed little chance despite losing Jacob Ramsey just before half-time. Anthony Gordon deservedly put Eddie Howe’s side ahead and Casemiro scored a split-second equalizer just before half-time.

The Red Devils may have been hoping to take the game from there, but after a sluggish first half, the second half was composed, with Lenny Yolo and Joshua Zirkzee both denied goals by Aaron Ramsdale in the closing stages.

In truth, after a series of unconvincing performances, the result was not a huge shock to the Manchester side, with Brian Mbeumo also one of the players to endure another off night on Tyneside.

Brian Mbeumo’s disappointing numbers against Newcastle

Carrick opted to field the same front line that had so well played against Crystal Palace last time out, but Amad once again fell victim to Benjamin Sesco’s inclusion in the starting XI.

It must be said that the decision not to start the lively Ivorian player seems to have backfired, as the aforementioned Mbeumo, who had just had a quiet performance on Sunday, once again disrupted the pace on the right.

The former Brentford man’s biggest mistake came in the first half, when he uncharacteristically sent a shot over the bar with the goal open, following a great shot from the left by Matheus Cunha.

In the second too, the 26-year-old struggled to truly get into the game, although he did not choose to attack first after receiving a typical pinpoint pass into the penalty area from Bruno Fernandes.

United’s top scorer this season, who has not scored since the win over Tottenham Hotspur, has not looked quite the same player since returning from AFCON, with recent assists against Everton and West Ham United somewhat masking his lack of all-round influence.

In fact, with Amad itching to start, Mbeumo, who lost the ball every three touches on Wednesday, may have to make way when Aston Villa come to town next week.

But given United’s overall form, he is not the only player who could be criticized.

Manchester United star could be left out of Carrick’s starting XI

The Red Devils, playing a rare midweek game this season, were unable to match the pace and power of their ferocious opponents from the start, with towering Joelinton enjoying something of a field day in central midfield.

The Brazilian, on a rare night off for an English player under Carrick, was joined by young Coby Mainu on numerous occasions, with his eyes out to sea.

The 20-year-old has benefited from Amorim’s departure in recent weeks, but the Portuguese’s concerns about his athleticism were perhaps on display against the Magpies.

Mainu, who has been very intelligent lately, has not been able to play alongside Casemiro, often missing the ball by just a yard in pursuit of Joelinton or Sandro Tonali, or scrambling to the left.

The veteran Casemiro wasn’t perfect, but at least he was able to pass forward between the lines at will, but there was no evidence of Mainu’s quality in that sense, and despite boasting a passing accuracy of 91%, he didn’t create any key passes or chances.

The youngster’s ability to weave his way up the pitch was not on full display in this match, as he conceded an early curling effort to the impressive Ramsdale, but failed to register a single dribble.

Mainu did not register a single tackle outside of possession and was substituted in the second half as United chased winners, but the end result showed that Carrick’s side are still a work in progress.

Of course, the lack of midfield options apart from Manuel Ugarte may ensure that Mainu retains his position next time, but one option could be to deploy Fernandes in a deep role again, with Zirksee as a linkman in front of him.

In any case, unfortunately Coach Mainu forced Carrick to make a decision. Mbeumo has certainly taken credit for his strong start to the season, but the young man is still striving for a truly long-term, consistent run.