Manchester United have finally tasted defeat under Michael Carrick after a dissapointing 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Another game in which the Reds finished the game with a one-man advantage, but this time it ended in disaster.
Jacob Ramsey was sent off for two bookable offences, his second coming in contentious fashion. But the hosts took the lead through an Anthony Gordon penalty (45+6′) after Bruno Fernandes fouled the Englishman.
Fernandes made amends soon after, finding Casemiro with a superb free-kick and the Brazilian headed home a vital equaliser (45+9′). Carrick’s men went in at half-time knowing they needed to show improvement, especially when a man was up.
That didn’t happen, though, as the Reds lacked energy and were deservedly beaten. William Osula came off the bench and scored a sensational last-gasp winner for Eddie Howe’s side (90′).
Mbeumo’s miserable night
Carrick’s first loss since replacing Ruben Amorim had been coming and the performance was a real concern. Several of his players looked off the pace and failed to capitalise on Liverpool and Aston Villa losing their respective games.
Bryan Mbeumo was particularly poor, failing to link up well with Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. The Cameroonian has perhaps been the best signing of the season, but he struggled on the right and was kept quiet by Lewis Hall.
The 26-year-old failed with all four of his attempted crosses, lost possession 12 times, and won just two of seven ground duels. He was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the 77th minute, and the Dutch attacker looked more lively during his cameo appearance.
Carrick, bizarrely called out by Paul Scholes, has an important decision to make ahead of United’s huge clash with Villa on Sunday (March 15th). Does he stick with Mbeumo on the right? He could consider using him centrally and handing him Sesko’s super-sub role, which proved effective.
The time is probably right to make a brave call and drop Mbeumo to the bench and start Amad. The Ivorian has been the one to make way for Sesko since the Slovenian striker earned a starting role.
‘Worst game’ – Fans unimpressed
Mbeumo’s frustrating night didn’t go unnoticed by fans nor the media, who felt the Brentford man was one of his team’s worst performers. Tyrone Marshall of Manchester Evening News gave him a 5/10 rating and explained:
“Booked for a foul on Hall and had a poor game. Missed a glorious first-half chance when smashing the ball into the Gallowgate End.”
United fan site centredevils called him ‘terrible’ in comparison to the ‘world-class’ Cunha:
“Matheus Cunha has been WORLD CLASS tonight. But Bryan Mbeumo has been terrible so far…”
AliceTalksFooty gave a similar verdict:
“Mbeumo worst game for us today. Cunha on the other hand has been impressive and very dangerous.”
Another fan advised Carrick to drop him against Villa:
“Mbeumo needs to hold bench next game.”
One added:
“Mbeumo has been absolutely shocking.”
Another supporter explained why Amad is vital for Mbeumo to perform well:
“At some point people will realize Mbeumo having Amad close to him makes him play better. He has always had his best games when they are both on the right side of the attack.”
Mbeumo has undoubtedly been a massive hit since arriving from Brentford last summer for £71m. He is the club’s top scorer this season, posting 10 goals in 25 games across competitions.
Last night was a concern, given that the Cameroonian was wasteful in front of the goal and didn’t seem to be on the same wavelength as his fellow attackers. He’s been undroppable throughout the campaign, but he might be at risk of starting on the bench against top-four rivals Villa.
