William Osula’s stoppage-time finish gave ten-man Newcastle a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park, handing Michael Carrick his first loss as United’s interim manager.
A chaotic end to the first half set the tone. Jacob Ramsey was shown a second yellow for simulation after going down under a challenge from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, reducing Newcastle to ten men in stoppage time. Referee and ex-officials later suggested Ramsey was unfortunate and it did not look like a clear dive.
The late first-half sequence unfolded rapidly: at least three minutes were signalled; Ramsey was dismissed shortly after; Newcastle were then awarded a penalty for Bruno Fernandes fouling Anthony Gordon, and Gordon coolly converted from the spot; minutes later Casemiro nodded in an equaliser from a Fernandes free-kick to make it 1-1 at the break.
United briefly recovered parity but the second half belonged to Newcastle. Aaron Ramsdale produced several important saves to keep his side in the game and Newcastle grew into the contest despite their numerical disadvantage. With the match heading into added time, substitute Osula curled home a superb winner to spark wild celebrations and become the first substitute to score a 90th-minute Premier League winner against Manchester United.
The result leaves United third in the table despite the defeat, while Newcastle climb to 12th. It marks Carrick’s first loss after winning six of his first seven matches in interim charge.
Selected player ratings:
– Newcastle: Ramsdale 8, Kieran Trippier 8, Sandro Tonali 8, Anthony Gordon 8, William Osula (sub) 8.
– Manchester United: Senne Lammens 6, Casemiro 7, Bruno Fernandes 8.
Player of the Match: William Osula.
Reactions:
– Michael Carrick said he was bitterly disappointed with United’s performance, adding that the team must take responsibility and that they did not play well enough.
– Eddie Howe praised his players’ mentality and collective response, saying the side deserved to lead at half-time and showed real resolve after the setback.
– Osula described scoring as the best feeling, saying he had practised the finish on the training ground and was delighted his preparations paid off.
Context and stats:
– Opta recorded Jacob Ramsey as the first Premier League player to receive a second yellow for simulation since October 2023. Osula became Newcastle’s eighth substitute to score a 90th-minute Premier League winner and the first substitute to do so against Manchester United in the competition. This was the 10th time United have lost to a 90th-minute winning goal in the Premier League, eight of those in the last four seasons.
The match underlined continuing questions about United’s cohesion and cutting edge under Carrick, while giving Newcastle a morale-boosting evening after recent home results. Former striker commentators praised Newcastle’s commitment and work-rate, noting the team ‘ran through brick walls’ for their manager and were outstanding on the night.