Michael Carrick gave a spiky post-match interview after Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James' Park, marking his first defeat as interim head coach. The former United midfielder appeared visibly frustrated and snapped back at questions suggesting a lack of character from his side.
When TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach asked why the team had shown less character than in previous games, Carrick retorted: 'It wasn't. It wasn't.' He added: 'It's easy to feel that just because you don't win a game of football. Just general things, the quality.'
Carrick also bristled when pressed to clarify what was missing, saying: 'We've lost one game, alright? We haven't played well enough, but in the grand scheme of things, we're in a decent position.' He admitted to being 'bitterly disappointed' with the performance but refused to blame the numerical disadvantage after Newcastle's Jacob Ramsey was sent off.
The defeat came despite a Casemiro header cancelling out Anthony Gordon's penalty, before William Osula's late winner sealed the points for the Magpies. Carrick noted that United had won six of their previous seven fixtures, saying: 'Tonight is hurtful, but we'll be back for the next one.'
United now turn their attention to Sunday's crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, a match that could have significant implications for Champions League qualification.
