'It pains me to say it': How Michael Carrick reacted to his first defeat as Manchester United boss inflicted by his boyhood club
Michael Carrick grew up supporting Newcastle United, and while the Wallsend Boys Club graduate never got the chance to play for his beloved Toon, he did get to manage a game at St James' Park last night, albeit for Manchester United.
The former Man United skipper took over as interim manager after the Red Devils parted ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this season.
Carrick has had an immense start as Man United boss and was undefeated until last night.
We'd like to think that the ex-West Ham United midfielder had mixed emotions in reality, but of course, in public, he has to show his disappointment in the result.
Michael Carrick admitted Newcastle deserved to win last night
As Man United boss, he was obviously not best pleased to see his side suffer a defeat, and he admitted to TNT Sports after the game that Newcastle deserved their win.
"We did not play well enough tonight. We cannot find any excuses. It was simply a matter of quality, not character.
"We wanted to win, and it pains me to say it, but Newcastle deserved to win.
"We are not satisfied with our performance. We knew it would be difficult, but it was a match within our reach.
"We are deeply disappointed."
Last night's game could have a huge effect on both clubs' season
Don't worry, Agent Carrick, your secret is safe with us!
The question facing Carrick now is whether he can recover or if the new manager bubble has burst.
It wasn't just a case of losing last night; Man United were awful except for a brief spell in the second half. By the same token, how big will this win be for Newcastle's season, can it inspire them to some better results as the season starts to wind down?
