THE writing has been on the wall for Michael Carrick.
Carrick tasted defeat for the first time in 11 games as Manchester United head coach across two spells.
The former United midfield general grew up watching Newcastle on the Gallowgate End, and warned his players the stadium was “a tough place to go” before a ball had been kicked.
But these United players are well aware of how challenging a trip to the Toon can be.
United have not won at St James’ Park since a behind-closed-doors clash in October 2020 during Covid restrictions.
Since then it’s been four straight defeats after a draw in 2021.
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Carrick’s side were minutes away from what would have been a respectable and hard-fought draw – even if the home side did have ten men.
It would have been a great point on the road for the club’s Champions League push – even after Jacob Ramsey’s red card in first-half stoppage time.
Newcastle outplayed Liverpool with ten-men at the start of the season and United’s recent form suggests that rolling over Eddie Howe’s diminished side was never on the cards.
The Red Devils were billed as favourites, yet keener eyes would have expected less.
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Performances have been dwindling since the 1-1 draw at West Ham on February 10, when Benjamin Sesko’s stunning injury-time leveller spared Carrick’s blushes.
That stalemate also came on a midweek night, so it is clear United are struggling to play twice in one week with no European football or cup competitions left this season.
Thirteen days after that West Ham shocker came the narrow 1-0 win at Everton, courtesy of another Sesko winner from the bench following a vintage counter-attacking move.
In both of those games United looked drab on the ball, as the first halves were dampened by poor passing and sluggish movements..
And then came the Crystal Palace win, which saw United offer perhaps their worst opening half under Carrick.
Palace characteristically dropped off after half-time, having played in the Europa League with a small squad three days prior and Maxence Lacroix’s red card turned the direction of the game.
Casemiro, who has never won at Newcastle, and Kobbie Mainoo, 20, have lost the midfield battle in the three games since that Tuesday night at West Ham.
Matheus Cunha looks out of place as a left-winger, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad have both dropped off the ball since Afcon and the full-backs lack any end product.
Carrick’s results at Man Utd
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd
Man Utd 3-2 Fulham
Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham
West Ham 1-1 Man Utd
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
Man Utd 2-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle 2-1 Man Utd
There have been questions over whether Carrick’s late results after moments of magic, with nine goals scored in the second-half, were sustainable.
Meanwhile, United have won just three out of 10 midweek games this season.
It’s also worth noting that only one of those victories was a true quick-turnaround fixture as the Everton game came after a mini winter break for Carrick’s men.
They face three more non-weekend tests before the campaign ends.
The Red Devils have benefited from FIVE red cards dished out to opponents this season, with Newcastle adding to a long list that includes Chelsea, Everton, Spurs and Palace.
It was the second time United were defeated by ten-men, with the 1-0 loss to the Toffees in November the beginning of the end of fans’ tolerance for Ruben Amorim.
While Casemiro made it 10 v 10 against Chelsea in October, Cristian Romero’s dismissal last month and Lacroix’s banishment played a huge role in United’s wins on those days.
In order for Carrick to get the job in the summer, he must find a way to bounce back when United host Champions League rivals Aston Villa.
The later games against fellow top-five chasers Chelsea and Liverpool have officially crossed into must-win territory.
United have, however, stood up against big names, having picked up the most points against the traditional top-six this season.
It’s not all negative. United have recovered more points (nine) from losing positions than any other side this season.
Even Wes Brown is saying it.
He told SunSport this week that while the performances are far from glamorous, Carrick’s side have shown resilience to stay in the fight.
They have nine more battles to go.