Substitute Osula scores, late winner as 10-man Newcastle defeat Manchester United

Newcastle United secured a dramatic victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park after substitute Will Osula scored a stunning 90th-minute winner for the 10-man hosts. The late goal handed Newcastle a crucial Premier League win and ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as Manchester United manager. Eddie Howe’s side had been reduced to 10 players before half-time when Jacob Ramsey was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. The dismissal proved controversial, with Howe insisting the midfielder had not dived.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Newcastle remained competitive and eventually claimed all three points thanks to Osula’s decisive moment.

The Denmark Under-21 striker had only recently entered the game when he produced the match-winning strike. Osula chased a long ball from deep inside his own half, kept it in play and cut inside before evading Tyrell Malacia.

From distance, he then curled a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens to seal the victory.The finish capped a remarkable contribution from the substitute, who had replaced Anthony Gordon shortly before scoring. It was Osula’s first goal since September. The defeat also marked Manchester United’s first Premier League loss since Carrick took charge following Ruben Amorim’s departure.Although the result ended Carrick’s strong run, United remain third in the table and still hold a 12-point advantage over Newcastle, who sit in 12th place.

Carrick admitted his disappointment after the match and acknowledged that Newcastle had been the better team on the night.

“We’re not happy with the way we played,” he said. “It hurts me to say that Newcastle deserved to win.”Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised Osula’s decisive contribution and said the moment could prove significant for the young striker.“Will’s delivered an amazing moment for the supporters here,” Howe said. “Let’s hope it’s a turning point for him.”The match had begun with Newcastle pushing Manchester United onto the back foot. Sandro Tonali controlled the midfield while Lewis Hall frequently advanced from left-back, creating early pressure on the visitors.

Manchester United gradually improved as the first half progressed. Aaron Ramsdale, starting in goal for Newcastle ahead of Nick Pope, made important saves from Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha to keep the score level.

The opening goal arrived late in the first half when Newcastle were awarded a penalty. Anthony Gordon was adjudged to have been fouled by Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder nudged the back of his thigh. Gordon stepped up and converted the penalty confidently, striking the ball straight down the middle. The decision to award the penalty came shortly after Ramsey’s dismissal, which Howe described as “incredibly harsh”.However, Newcastle’s lead did not last long. Manchester United equalised before half-time during an extended period of stoppage time.

Fernandes delivered a curling free-kick into the penalty area, and Casemiro met it with a glancing header that beat Ramsdale.

After the break, both teams created chances as the game became increasingly open. Fernandes continued to orchestrate many of Manchester United’s attacking moves, while Newcastle attempted to play more directly following Howe’s tactical instructions. Ramsdale produced several strong saves to deny United, including efforts from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.

As the match approached its final moments, the game appeared to be heading towards a draw.But Osula had other ideas.His late strike secured the victory for Newcastle and ended a run of three consecutive home league defeats at St James’ Park.

The result provided a boost for Howe’s side while delivering a painful setback for Manchester United.