Pundits Micah Richards and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from the midweek Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThis day was always going to come.
The Premier League this season has been too unpredictable for Manchester United's unbeaten run to go on forever.
Michael Carrick has had an outstanding start in charge. Now he has to show whether he can rejuvenate a losing side.
This was not quite as bad as the defeat by 10-man Everton at Old Trafford in November under Ruben Amorim, but it was poor, there is no getting away from that.
The visitors failed to impose themselves on their opponents. This was yet another game when they let them have the initiative. Once again, it took far too long for them to get going.
The issues for Carrick appear to be a series of smaller ones rather than the fundamental tactical formation as was the case in Amorim's time.
Against Crystal Palace, the attacking options from the full back areas were poor. Against Newcastle, the links between midfield and attack were non-existent.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were peripheral figures. Benjamin Sesko was hardly in the game and skipper Bruno Fernandes' difficulties were highlighted by the amount of time he spent complaining. Kobbie Mainoo did not do enough to hold the midfield together.
Manchester United thought their unbeaten record under Carrick was going at West Ham before Sesko salvaged a draw deep into stoppage time. Now it has.
Aston Villa are their next opponents, at Old Trafford on 15 March. Carrick has time to sort what is going wrong out. Beat Villa and he will have one foot in next season's Champions League. Lose and questions about his suitability for the boss' role full-time will grow louder.
Michael Carrick spoke to TNT Sports after Manchester United's defeat against Newcastle: "We are not happy the way we played tonight. The way the game panned out we had it in our hands largely but credit to Newcastle and they way they approached it, we knew it would be tough but we navigated the game to a position where we could kick on but we didn't. Bitterly disappointed really.
"I don't think it was the 10 men, we just didn't play good enough. We can't make excuses for that. We all take responsibility for that.
"It was just the quality of the performance, it wasn't character or wanting to win, it's easy to throw that just because you don't win a game of football
"Newcastle deserved to win tonight, it hurts me to say that. That is how it was. We need to get back to work and be better for the next game.
"We've lost one game, we haven't played well enough but in the grand scheme of things we are in a decent position. Tonight hurts but we will be better for the next one.
"You have to get back at it, work hard and do the things we did to win the games we've won. We can do that, we are a good team, tonight wasn't for us.
"We have to learn from it and get better for it. We had a lot of praise lately and the boys deserve it, this doesn't change how we approach the next game. We've got everything to play for."
Senne Lammens added: "That is always a bad feeling to lose, just in general today was not our day. It was nowhere near good enough.
"We scored our goal just before half-time and it was really important to give us a good feeling going into half time.
"When we step out on the pitch for the second half it needs to be better, I think our mentality needs to be better. In every aspect it was not our game today.
"I'm not sure what we were lacking. Every team has those games, but you can't put it like that you always have to perform, especially here.
"Heading into half-time we had a pretty good feeling because we scored and playing against 10 men you want to finish it off, we couldn't get our rhythm going and we need to learn a lot from this."
Hear more from Carrick on BBC Sounds
Did you know?
This was the only the 10th time Manchester United have lost to a 90th minute winning goal in a Premier League match – eight of them have come in the last four seasons.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Newcastle's performance
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Aaron Ramsdale starts as Newcastle United make two changes for the visit of Manchester United.
The goalkeeper replaces Nick Pope in the starting line-up after his team-mate's made a costly error in the 3-2 defeat against Everton at the weekend.
Harvey Barnes also comes into the side in place of club-record signing Nick Woltemade, who misses out with a sickness bug.
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Noussair Mazraoui replaces Diogo Dalot at right-back for Manchester United as Michael Carrick makes one change to his starting line-up from Sunday's win over Crystal Palace.
It is the Moroccan's first start since December, when he went on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire have recovered from the illness that forced them off against Palace. Dalot is on the bench where he is joined by 18-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki.
Manchester Utd XI: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko. Substitutes: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Malacia, Amad, Ugarte, Heaven, T Fletcher, Moorhouse.
There are five games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Aston Villa v Chelsea - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Brighton v Arsenal - BBC Radio 5 Live
Fulham v West Ham
Manchester City v Nottingham Forest -BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Newcastle v Manchester United (20:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3
Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated
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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Carrick has said Manchester United could look to sign a left winger this summer - even though they spent the past three transfer windows under Ruben Amorim getting rid of wide players.
United began last season with five experienced wide players.
Between them, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Amad Diallo cost the club £173m.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both came through the United's youth ranks, although the latter was at Atletico Madrid before moving to Manchester as a 16-year-old in 2020.
Now, Amad is the only orthodox wide player available to Carrick - although he has also used Patrick Dorgu, who joined from Lecce as a wing-back under Amorim, in a more offensive role.
Although it is not clear yet who will be in charge once the season has reached its conclusion, Carrick has repeatedly said the decisions he is making are for the club's long-term interests.
Asked if left wing specifically was an area that might need addressing, Carrick replied: "I think you're always looking at the balance of the team and the squad to give you the utmost flexibility, so it's definitely something to look at, for sure."
Pressed again, Carrick said: "Quite possibly."
Carrick did state the situation "was not a huge concern at the moment" and that he felt there were options available to him that allowed him variety in attack.
"We can still be dangerous," said the 44-year-old.
"Matheus [Cunha] has played that role and caused big problems and had big moments. When he plays wide, he is tough to stop one-on-one."
But Cunha is happiest drifting away from the touchline and likes to get on the ball in deeper or more central positions.
United are among several high-profile Premier League clubs to be linked with RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who is likely to cost around £70m if he opts to move in the summer.
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon has also been mentioned, although it is not clear whether United have an interest in the England international.
United's situation is complicated by the fact they are prioritising bringing in at least one, and possibly two central midfield players.
Experienced Brazil captain Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season and £50m Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has only made three substitute appearances - totalling 27 minutes - under Carrick.
No changes can be made until the transfer window opens anyway, so, for now, Carrick must make the best of his present options.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's 16-year-old striker Kai Rooney
Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at Carrington as the club's youngsters booked a Premier League Under-18 Cup final clash with Crystal Palace.
Ratcliffe was pictured watching the semi-final against West Ham alongside director of football Jason Wilcox.
Although they fell behind, 15-year-old JJ Gabriel equalised just before half-time.
Goals from Nathaniel-Junior Brown and Kai Rooney in the second half of extra time were enough to send Darren Fletcher's side through, with a draw to decide which club will host the final in their main stadium.
Ratcliffe has been critical of United's academy.
However, in addition to the latest win, United's under-18 side have also reached the last eight of the FA Youth Cup, while at under-21 level, they have spent a lot of time at the top of Premier League 2 this season and will meet Real Madrid in the last eight of the Premier League's International Cup.
Image source, Getty ImagesWill Michael Carrick have to rely on a younger looking defence for Manchester United's upcoming fixtures?
Man Utd have a number of absentees in defence, with England internationals Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw potentially being added to that list after being forced off in their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
That victory made it 11 games unbeaten for the club, however with tough games against Aston Villa and Newcastle next, club reporter Simon Stone believes they may need to rely on a more youthful backline to get results from those games.
"Man Utd have about 15 players that you can really count on and think they can deliver results," he told BBC Radio Manchester's Devils' Advocate podcast.
"We've been trying to badger Carrick into telling us what's wrong with Matthijs de Ligt and how long he'll be out, he's probably not going to be back before the international break so we can forget about that.
"Once you start to delve into a situation where Patrick Dorgu isn't there, we don't know what Luke Shaw will be like, Lisandro Martinez out.
"That is weakening the core squad. If Harry Maguire isn't fit, then you're probably looking at Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.
"Heaven did quite well in a three-man defence, but if you only have those two, it's putting a lot of responsibility on really young players."
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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMatheus Cunha after scoring the winner for Manchester United at Arsenal in January
Can Manchester United really catch Arsenal?
It is a question that keeps being asked by United fans amid the club's current impressive form under head coach Michael Carrick.
Deep down, most realise it is virtually impossible but there is a feeling among some United supporters that Arsenal crumble under pressure and therefore it cannot completely be ruled out, even though the present gap is 13 points, although United do have a game in hand.
Many have not forgotten in 2012, their own side had an eight-point lead on Manchester City with six games left and ended up losing the title to Sergio Aguero's memorable injury-time goal.
Part of that collapse did include a City win over United and Carrick's side do not have to play the Gunners again.
The question was put to Carrick ahead of the trip to Newcastle.
It would have been defeatist to say it can't happen. But he thinks the odds are stacked against United.
"Listen, you can't rule anything out in football, but we've got to be realistic," he said.
"We've just got to try and keep winning games and see.
"Above us now there's two fantastic teams and there's some really good teams in and around us.
"We've had a good run but we're certainly not getting carried away.
"You've got to be patient but you've also got to live in the moment a little bit.
"Wherever that's going to take us, we'll just have to see. But we'll keep pushing anyway."
For now, Champions League qualification remains the primary target.
Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United may have progressed into the knockout stages in Europe but their league form has fallen off a cliff as they prepare for Wednesday night's (20:15 GMT) clash with a Manchester United side who are unbeaten in 11 top-flight games.
The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League, including each of their last three at St James' Park – the first time that's happened since February 2021 under Steve Bruce.
Magpies flapping
Over the last six games, Newcastle are second-bottom of the form table, earning fewer points than the three clubs in the relegation zone. Only crisis-hit Tottenham Hotspur have fared worse in that timeframe.
It's a dip that's seen them drop from ninth to 13th in the table ahead of a busy March schedule that includes an FA Cup fifth round meeting with Manchester City and both legs of the Champions League last 16 tie with La Liga frontrunners Barcelona.
Head coach Eddie Howe has struggled to find the right balance in attack in recent weeks, with club record signing Nick Woltemade playing in a deeper role and Anthony Gordon struggling to replicate his excellent European form on the domestic front.
Last week's 3-2 defeat by Everton was the second game in a row in which Woltemade failed to register a touch in the opposition box, sparking a debate about how best to use the 6ft 5in Germany international forward.
One crumb of comfort for the Toon Army is their side's recent record in this exact fixture. Newcastle have come out on top in their last three home league games against the Red Devils, as many as they won in their previous 18.
Carrick back at his boyhood club
Michael Carrick may have grown up supporting Newcastle United, but his colours are now firmly nailed to the mast at Old Trafford.
Sunday's win over Crystal Palace means the Manchester United head coach is unbeaten in nine Premier League games across two spells, equalling the best start by a boss in the competition's history.
Ange Postecoglou's reign at Spurs began with 26 points from 10 games, which Carrick could match with victory in the North East on Wednesday.
Six wins from seven since taking charge again in January have lifted the Reds to third in the table at the end of a matchweek for the first time since May 2023 and Champions League football looks a realistic prospect once again.
Benajmin Sesko's contributions off the bench earned him a start against Palace and he duly rewarded Carrick with a fine header to win the game. Seven goals in his last eight appearances mean no Premier League player has scored more in domestic competitions since the turn of the year.
It was Bruno Fernandes who provided the cross for Sesko's winner against the Eagles; the Portuguese playmaker's 13th league assist of the season. The United captain is closing in on David Beckham's club record of 15 assists in the 1999-00 league season.
That comeback victory over Palace means the Red Devils have recovered nine points from losing positions in 2026, more than any other side. They have only lost one of the last eight league matches in which they have fallen behind (won three, drawn four), having lost 10 of their previous 13 when trailing (drawing three).
Newcastle United's inconsistency struck again in Saturday's home defeat by Everton, and who knows which team will turn up here.
Manchester United were not great against Crystal Palace either, when they needed a penalty and Maxence Lacroix's red card to really change the game, but they still found a way to win it.
Benjamin Sesko suddenly looks like a handful for Michael Carrick's side - he is big and physical and scored a brilliant header against Palace - so Newcastle will have to deal with him.
It is hard to call this one but there have been so many great games between these two sides down the years, and this could be another classic.
Sutton's prediction: 2-2
Manchester United are prepared to offer Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes an improved deal worth up to £400,000 a week - but the 31-year-old will base a decision on his Old Trafford future on whether the club qualify for the Champions League. (Mirror), external
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's long-term future at Manchester United is still up in the air as talks over a new contract for the 20-year-old drag on. (Mail - subscription required), external
Manchester United have no intention of selling English midfielder Mason Mount, 27, in the summer despite interest from Aston Villa and Fulham. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Carrick has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his second stint in charge of Manchester United, racking up six wins and a draw from his first seven games.
At some stage, he knows there is bound to be a defeat or a 'blip'.
The key is to make sure it does not become an extended sequence of negative results.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started his time in charge of United in 2018-19 with eight successive wins. He ended the same season with eight defeats in 12 matches.
When Carrick took over at Middlesbrough in 2022, he won 15 of his first 21 games. He ended in with two wins in 10 as Boro crashed out at the play-off semi-final stage.
It is the kind of form reversal United need to avoid as they chase a spot in next season's Champions League, especially as, after Wednesday's trip to Newcastle, they have a home game against fellow European qualification hopefuls Aston Villa, and also have matches against Chelsea and Liverpool to come.
Carrick, typically, is not looking too far ahead.
"I'm always learning things as you go through and [things] you could have done a little bit better," he said.
"There is a lot of context, with different players and what the games look like.
"It's not so much guarding against it, it's living in the moment, keeping grounded and understanding what it takes to win games.
"We won't get carried away. You have to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We're hungry for more and want it for as long as it will last."
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Newcastle at St James' Park (kick-off 20:15 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could both be fit after going off in the win over Crystal Palace. "It wasn't injury, both weren't feeling too good," said Carrick. "We'll see how they are. We're hoping so, we're working towards it."
On their improved form, he said: "I wouldn't use the word surprise, we always strive to win games. Football is a tough game to get results. I'm always learning, things that you could have done a little bit better. It's not so much guarding against it, it's living in the moment, keep grounded with understanding what it takes to win games. We won't get carried away, you have to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We're hungry for more and want it for as long as it will last."
On Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Carrick said: "I have a huge amount of respect for Eddie and his staff. I know some of them particularly well. Being from there originally, I have kept a close eye on them. Eddie has done a great job with the success he has brought to the club and the feeling he has created around the whole area. He's a top man and a top coach."
Carrick said grappling at set-pieces has "gone too far", adding: "It wasn't long ago we were told you couldn't lay a hand on anyone in the box and we were told it would be clamped down. It's crept in, the success of corners and being able to put bodies close together has made more teams do it. As a game, it doesn't feel like we've got that balance right."
The boss again praised captain Bruno Fernandes: "There isn't a lot more I can add with Bruno, he's been here for such a long period of time, he's had success in different ways, shown what he is all about, taking responsibility in showing up in the ups and the downs. That sums up Bruno and his character and consistency. He's been a major plus and a fantastic signing since he came in. I'm sure that will continue."
There will be live radio commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 Live (first half Sports Extra 3), BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences here
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United defender Harry Maguire (centre) speaks to head coach Michael Carrick after coming off towards the end of the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford
There was some questioning about why Luke Shaw went off at Old Trafford on Sunday but nothing about Harry Maguire, who was replaced by Ayden Heaven five minutes from the end of the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Maguire went straight to the dressing rooms accompanied by United physios.
With Matthijs de Ligt out with a back injury and Lisandro Martinez sidelined with a calf problem, the last thing Michael Carrick will want will be to lose another experienced central defender for tomorrow's trip to Newcastle.
Heaven is 19 and has been on the field for seven minutes under Carrick. Leny Yoro is 20 and the Palace game was his first start under Carrick.
It will be interesting to see if the United head coach offers a substantive update when he speaks to the media at 13:30 GMT.
Alex Turk
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWith 10 games of the Premier League season left, there is a growing narrative that Manchester United are the 'favourites' in the ongoing top-five race.
That prospect did not even exist just two months ago when Michael Carrick took charge.
Now, I refuse to believe that United are favourites in a battle against Champions League stalwarts Chelsea and Premier League champions Liverpool.
However, Sunday's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace put the Red Devils into pole position. Third in the Premier League for the first time since 2023.
And that, as well as the events of two nights prior, confirmed something for me. United's path to a Champions League return is not what we thought it was. That's where Aston Villa come into it.
For months, it has been believed that Villa, along with Arsenal and Manchester City, were the untouchable top three.
That was a fair presumption, given Unai Emery's men were 11 points ahead of United when Carrick arrived.
The debate has been over who will miss out in sixth between United, Liverpool and Chelsea. But it feels like the route has become less daunting.
I am now confident in saying that if United can stay above Villa, regardless of how Chelsea and Liverpool fare, Champions League football will return to M16.
After winning a stunning 12 games out of 13 to propel themselves into the conversation, Villa have just three victories in their past 10.
All season, xG merchants have been telling us that Villa are wildly over-performing based on the quality of the chances they create.
The number of matches they were winning by just one goal suggested the same. It is now levelling itself out, and United are capitalising.
There will come a point when Emery can't stop the rot in the Premier League and all focus turns towards the Europa League.
Not only is the prize silverware, but also Champions League football. That will work massively in Europe-less United's favour.
Right now, United are above all three rivals, and it's hard to imagine Villa, at least, reclaiming their advantage come May.
Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external
Manchester United want Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, 28, to replace Casemiro this summer - with the 34-year-old midfielder endorsing his Brazil team-mate. (AS), external
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has been added to the shortlist for the next manager at Old Trafford. (Football Insider), external
Finally, Barcelona are ready to pay United the fee they want to turn Marcus Rashford's loan move into a permanent one. (Mirror), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
