After stumbling to victory against Crystal Palace, Manchester United looked like a team that has rarely played all season against Newcastle United twice in as many days.
Even in the midst of the Magpies’ struggles, St James’ Park is not a place to be lethargic in the Premier League, but that’s exactly what Michael Carrick’s side were doing.
It was Carrick’s first loss as Man United manager since taking over. After avoiding defeat against Josep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta, it was Eddie Howe’s 10-man Newcastle side who put the sword to the caretaker manager.
Unfortunately, United should have seen that coming when Brian Mbeumo enjoyed a failed season.
Mbeumo’s recent lack of goals continues.
Mbeumo will be the first to claim he’s more than just a goalie, but there’s no excuse for sending his close-range shots into Tyneside’s upper echelons. This gave the team the lead, going from three consecutive games without conceding a goal in the Premier League to now four.
Mbeumo’s recent form comes at a frustrating time for Carrick, who is still waiting for the entire attacking trio to chime in at the same time, as Benjamin Sesko begins to find his best form.
A player of his caliber came at a moment like the chance we had against Newcastle. He came to lead the Red Devils to victory and to his credit he has done so on several occasions this season. But his last four games have shown the scars of his turbulent debut at Old Trafford.
INEOS awards gold to Manchester United star who is worth more than Sesco or Bruno
Manchester United hit the jackpot when they signed the former Old Trafford star.
But he wasn’t the only one to miss the mark. It was a bad night overall for Man United, who were unable to capitalize on Liverpool’s shock loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa’s 4-1 defeat at Chelsea.
Manchester United vs Newcastle | Player rating |
|---|---|
Senne Ramens | 7 |
luke shaw | 6 |
harry maguire | 6 |
Lenny Yolo | 7 |
Nusser Mazrawi | 6 |
Casemiro | 8 |
Coby Mainu | 5 |
Matheus Cunha | 6 |
Bruno Fernandes | 8 |
Brian Mbeumo | 5 |
Benjamin Sesco | 5 |
Carrick is not entirely responsible for the defeat. The interim manager made some questionable changes, including players who must not play for the club again after a cameo appearance.
Worse than Mbeumo: Manchester United star must finish at Old Trafford
Tyrell Malasia’s name probably shocked many when they looked at the team sheet last night.
Ironically, the last time he was included in the Man United squad in the Premier League was against Newcastle in December. Meanwhile, before that was the game against Fulham in January last year.
But this was not a miraculous comeback to his Old Trafford career. Instead, his cameo introduced a player who has never been the same since suffering a long-term injury in 2023. In that respect, he’s in a similar position to a player like Phil Jones. He was an impressive young player when he first arrived, but his time at Old Trafford was marred by fitness issues.
That long-term injury forced Malasia to miss 500 days. He was a fantastic signing under Erik ten Hag, and three years later he was a player Man United should no longer rely on.
Tyrell Malasia | Number of PL games per season |
|---|---|
2023/24 | 0 |
2024/25 | 3 |
2024/25 | 4 |
Carrick’s decision to bring in the left-back for a midweek game against one of the most physical teams in the Premier League remains strange, with William Osula far too easily conceded the game-winning blow.
It would have been quite a thing if Malasia had suddenly rediscovered her best form, but that was always unlikely. Against Newcastle, the Dutchman needed just five minutes to show just how rusty he is. He completed only four passes and was unable to participate in a single duel.
Malasia will have to leave Man United in the summer transfer window after coming close to leaving the club in January. INEOS need to let the Dutchman go, both for the sake of his career and for the Red Devils, who can no longer rely on a left-back.
