Eddie Howe was not exactly overjoyed to learn that, instead of being cup-tied, Antoine Semenyo was free to play for Manchester City. Sure enough the Newcastle manager’s worst fears were realised as Semenyo – who had played in the competition this season for Bournemouth – scored City’s opener and had an another “goal” disallowed before Rayan Cherki’s stoppage-time second left Pep Guardiola smiling broadly.

With a second leg at the Etihad Stadium still to come this semi-final is not quite over but, thanks to not merely Semenyo but some fine goalkeeping from James Trafford, Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup they won last March is looking distinctly fragile.

Former England midfielder needs to avoid the same pitfalls as Ruben Amorim, but he showed a dogmatic streak at Boro

In many ways Michael Carrick is the antithesis of Ruben Amorim but Manchester United’s soon-to-be-appointed interim head coach does have something significant in common with his Portuguese predecessor.

Like Amorim, Carrick has proved remarkably resistant to tactical change. So much so that at Middlesbrough the former United and England midfielder’s determination not to compromise a philosophy constructed around a patient, possession-heavy passing game arguably cost him his job.