Man Utd Player Ratings: Matheus Cunha Shines at Newcastle, While Bryan Mbeumo Faces Continued Challenges Post-AFCON

MICHAEL CARRICK’S winning run as Manchester United head coach came to a bitter end at his old favourite stadium.

Casemiro’s header capped off a dramatic first-half stoppage time that saw Anthony Gordon score a penalty and Jacob Ramsey sent-off diving.

Michael Carrick was lambasted with boos at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty

Bruno Fernandes came to blows with Joelinton in the tunnel at half-time, before tensions levelled in the second-half.

But super-sub Will Osula’s incredible curling finish won it for Eddie Howe’s side in the 90th minute.

Boyhood Geordie Carrick remains third in the table on goal difference and head into a 14 day break until hosting the Villans on March 15.

Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the United players at a simmering St James’ Park, where ref Peter Bankes could wait to get off the pitch.

Senne Lammens – 6

The Belgian handled his baptism of fire well on his first visit to the bearpit that is St James’ Park.

The 23-year-old was involved in all the action in first-half stoppage time, as Ramsey was given a second yellow for diving at his feet and Gordon scored his penalty.

Was strong on set pieces but was undone by Osula’s stunner.

Noussair Mazraoui – 6

Fared better in his preferred right-back position in the first-half before switching to the left when Luke Shaw went off.

Still has not matched the consistency of last season as his sloppy passing gifted Sandro Tonali a chance. But he did win on the foul for the equaliser.

After all was said and done, it was unfortunate that the Moroccan limped off injured with five minutes remaining as Osula ran riot down his side for the winner.

Leny Yoro – 6

The 20-year-old was not on his toes enough when Kieran Trippier hit the post in the first few seconds.

Should have scored a header from point-blank range but did well to get in position. The Frenchman will learn plenty from this hostile encounter.

Harry Maguire – 6

Carrick would have been delighted to see his most experienced centre-back recover from a mystery illness.

The 32-year-old was solid at the back, stopping Elanga and Ramsey in their tracks. But a player of his experience should have come across to challenge Osula for the winner.

Luke Shaw – 6

Had a battle on his hands with former United academy Anthony Elanga and was booked in the first-half for pulling the ex-Old Trafford winger down.

It was a sensible choice to take Shaw off with the game on a knife edge and the England veteran on a yellow card.

Casemiro – 6

The 34-year-old scored a crucial equaliser, to make it six goals on his farewell tour, but was the cause of most United’s problems.

The Brazil captain was too often caught on the ball by Joelinton and Harvey Barnes, coming off second best in the midfield duels. Hooked in the 61st minute after a late challenge.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6

Improved on a recent blip in performances, which was always going to the case giving how rare he was playing before Carrick arrived.

The 20-year-old midfielder’s feet were brilliant in tight areas, but his physicality remains an area of improvement.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

The skipper took a while to get going and perhaps below his usual standards before conceding a brainless penalty for a trip on Gordon.

But his 14th assist of the season was a stunning free-kick onto Casemiro’s head in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time.

The Portugal midfielder has now created 31 more chances than any other player in the Premier League.

Matheus Cunha – 7

Looked more dangerous on the left this time out after some in and out performances down that side in recent games. Should have done better with an early shot, but was more lively than his opposite flank number.

The Brazilian had a tough battle with Kieran Trippier and drew fouls from Ramsey and the former Spurs back.

Bryan Mbeumo – 5

Mbeumo has struggled since coming back from Afcon as United’s struggles to get their top goalscorer involved in the action continued.

Endured a difficult first-half, where he was booked for a retaliatory lunge after Lewis Hall beat him to the punch and blasted a sitter into Row Z from six yards.

Benjamin Sesko – 5

The man of the moment faced a proper Premier League challenge against staunch centre-backs Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw.

The Slovenian was left isolated for most of the game, like many of his No9 predecessors. We counted three or four touches in the second-half.

SUBS

Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 61 ) –

Latched onto another Fernandes delivery but sent his header sailing over the bar, would Casemiro have scored?

Diogo Dalot (for Luke Shaw, 61 ) –

A VAR check for handball and a clumsy challenge on Joe Willock in a dangerous area certainly did not sure things up for Carrick.

Amad (for Mbeumo, 76) –

Perhaps should have been brought on sooner with Mbeumo struggling.

Joshua Zirkzee (for Mainoo, 77) –

Had a couple of chances late-on.

Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 85) –

Forced on with the Moroccan limping from a challenge and off the pace for Newcastle’s winner.