Substitute William Osula scored a superb late winner as 10-man Newcastle United inflicted Michael Carrick’s first defeat as Manchester United manager.
Carrick grew up watching Newcastle on the Gallowgate End and warned his players the stadium was “tough place to go” before a ball had been kicked.
So, it proved – even after Newcastle midfielder Jacob Ramsey was sent off in the first half – as the spirited hosts rallied at a raucous St James’ Park.
It looked like both sides were going to have to settle for a share of the spoils after Casemiro’s header cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s penalty.
But Osula cut inside the box and lashed the ball past the stunned Senne Lammens, who could only watch it hit the net in the 90th minute to send the stadium into raptures.
“Will asked after training for 10 more balls yesterday,” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said. “He wanted 10 more finishes. A carbon copy of the goal he scored today.
“He scored eight out of 10 and that’s all credit to the player. He wanted to do more before he went in and I’m a great believer that if you do the work, you get the reward. I’m delighted for him.”
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What a contrast to the scenes in first-half stoppage time when Newcastle players, staff and supporters were furious when Ramsey was sent off for a second booking.
Referee Peter Bankes felt the midfielder dived to win a penalty when he nudged the ball past goalkeeper Lammens.
But Newcastle quickly channelled their anger, and Gordon was awarded a spot-kick after the forward was brought down by Bruno Fernandes inside the box.
Gordon coolly placed his penalty straight down the middle of Lammens’ goal to open the scoring and net his 15th goal of the campaign.
But Manchester United have recovered more points (nine) from a losing position than any other side in the Premier League in 2026 for a reason, and Newcastle were not in front for long.
There was still time for another dramatic twist in the ninth minute of first-half stoppage time after Manchester United midfielder Casemiro made a smart run to the near post to head home from Fernandes’ free-kick.
Newcastle were quickly pegged back, but the hosts regrouped at the break and a stretching Gordon had a huge chance to put his side 2-1 up, only to fire wide at the back post in the second half.
Manchester United also had a couple of big opportunities to win it late on when Leny Yoro saw a header batted away by Aaron Ramsdale, while substitute Joshua Zirkzee was also denied by the recalled Newcastle goalkeeper.
But it was Osula who had the final say as Newcastle climbed to 12th, while Manchester United stay in third.
BBC
