Manchester United suffered their first defeat since Michael Carrick returned to the dugout against Newcastle and there is a familiar pattern emerging.

Michael Carrick cut an unimpressed figure as he acknowledged Manchester United’s away supporters before heading down the Newcastle tunnel. The Reds have had little reason to moan since Carrick returned but last night was underwhelming. The momentum was with United after equalising late in the first half, but they struggled against ten men.

Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee forced saves from Aaron Ramsdale, ultimately setting United up for the suckerpunch. William Osula’s curling effort was spectacular but the defending from Tyrell Malacia was poor.

It would be unfair to single Malacia out further because none of his teammates did much better. He was forced on due to Noussair Mazraoui’s injury. The Morocco international started because Diogo Dalot struggled in the victory over Crystal Palace. Dalot replaced Luke Shaw midway through the second half, meaning Malacia’s introduction was inevitable.

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While few can criticise the performances of United’s starters in recent weeks, the depth of this squad has been an issue throughout the season, particularly when the Reds have played two matches in quick succession. The Grimsby debacle came just three days after a draw at Fulham.

Draws against strugglers Wolves, Leeds and Burnley have all come when United have had less than a week to prepare, and they’ve struggled to pick up wins this season when faced with a tight turnaround between games.

United’s lack of depth is a huge factor and a problem given their ambitions. Should United qualify for the Champions League, they will be forced to add at least an extra eight matches to their schedule.

The Reds’ current squad is not capable of handling this workload. United’s bench featured just three players – Ayden Heaven, Dalot and Amad – who could be used in rotation next season.

The remaining players were those likely to leave – Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, Malacia and Manuel Ugarte – or youngsters still learning their trade – Godwill Kukonki and Tyler Fletcher. United will not be content with simply being in Europe next season. They will be expected to be competitive in the Champions League or try to win the Europa League. And that is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe must take note.

United have a huge job on their hands to rebuild this squad. We already know the midfield will look unrecognisable after Casemiro leaves but almost every area of the pitch will need new signings.

A back-up for Senne Lammens, two midfielders, a left winger and at least one other striker to compete with Benjamin Sesko are needed. That is a substantial wishlist, regardless of Champions League money.

In some ways, United are fortunate their fixture list has been heavily reduced. Had they been competing in four competitions or even three, their squad would have been stretched too thin and it would have impacted their Premier League position.

This summer, United must be prepared to go big in the transfer window because they do not have enough senior players to compete across multiple competitions. Running their key players into the ground is not a realistic solution.