Will Osula's 90th-minute bending strike helped the 10-man Magpies to all three points, after a crazy end to the first half had seen Jacob Ramsey sent off and two goals scored, by Anthony Gordon from the spot and then Casemiro, with a headed equaliser.
The Reds failed to really press home the benefit of the extra man after the break, testing Aaron Ramsdale a couple of times before substitute Osula's late sucker-punch.
Carrick, in his post-match interviews with TNT Sports and MUTV, said our usual quality was just not there at St James' Park, but suggested we are still in a good position heading into the clash with fellow UEFA Champions League chasers Aston Villa, a week on Sunday.