Newcastle 2-1 Manchester United: Gordon 45+5, Osula 90; Casemiro 45+8
Despite their league position this season, Newcastle have a way of fighting when it really matters. Here at St James’ Park, they were always going to give their all against a Manchester United side who have replaced them in the top five and arrived for this fixture sporting three of their summer targets.
Benjamin Sesko chose United over Newcastle last summer, and Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were also on Eddie Howe’s list of targets. All three started the game but it was substitute Will Osula who grabbed the headlines with a stunning late strike that handed Michael Carrick his first defeat as United’s interim coach.
Here were a Newcastle side who seemed to have ruined their evening when Jacob Ramsey was sent off just before the end of the first half with a second yellow card for simulation. But as they proved against Liverpool here at St James’ Park earlier in the season, Newcastle can bring the fight when it matters, even when down to 10 men.
Playing with ten players for the entire second-half, but you wouldn’t have thought it.
Exceptional shift, lads! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/aKEmjxdzLr
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 4, 2026
With a little help from United captain Fernandes who clumsily tripped Anthony Gordon in the box, Newcastle went ahead soon after Ramsey’s exit, Gordon converting from the spot. But then United hit back quickly when their skipper made amends in the ninth minute of added time, curling in a free kick that Casemiro guided beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
Newcastle had started the night on the front foot but of course they retreated in the second period, United controlling affairs in midfield. Leny Yoro’s header forced a fine save from Ramsdale, before the former Arsenal goalkeeper was tested even further with a dipping effort from substitute Joshua Zirkzee.
Then arrived Osula’s moment. Kierian Trippier’s ball down the line found the Dane, who twisted away from Tyrell Malacia and cut inside to curl the ball gloriously into the far corner.
