Manchester United win Carabao Cup, first silverware since 2017 

Under the management of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United secured their first trophy since 2017 by defeating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. 

Unfortunately for Newcastle, their long wait for a title, which dates back to 1969, continued as Manchester United’s two goals within the first half of the game established their dominance and paved the way for a well-deserved victory. 

Casemiro opened the scoring in the 33rd minute by heading in Luke Shaw’s free-kick, while Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford’s shot beyond the reach of Newcastle’s debutant goalkeeper Loris Karius to double Manchester United’s lead. 

Despite Eddie Howe’s men’s attempts to bounce back in the second half, their inability to score meant that Manchester United claimed the cup, marking their first triumph under Erik ten Hag and their first since winning the Europa League and the same competition under Jose Mourinho six years ago.

Casemiro and ten Hag the key

Erik ten Hag’s strong leadership and tactical skills have turned United around since their dismal start to the season. 

The addition of Casemiro, the development of Lisandro Martinez, and Rashford’s resurgence have made Manchester United a serious contender again.

Although not at their best, they controlled the final and did not allow Newcastle to get back into the game.

Casemiro, a transformative acquisition, was at the heart of their victory, providing the opening goal and bringing his years of experience winning trophies with Real Madrid to the match. 

This win will further fuel the belief that Ten Hag is the manager who will take Manchester United forward and out of the slump they were in before his arrival.

Newcastle not at their best

Newcastle’s devoted fans gave them a warm round of applause at the final whistle, but the defeat will be a hard pill to swallow, having travelled in droves with high hopes and expectations.

Although Newcastle demonstrated effort, they lacked the finishing touches necessary to win a trophy, and their progress in the Premier League has slowed. Their wait for a major win extends to 1969.

In the second half, Newcastle managed to put themselves in promising positions several times but failed to take advantage, which could have put pressure on Manchester United.

All eyes were on Newcastle’s German goalkeeper Karius, who was filling in for the suspended Pope. However, he delivered a commendable performance, making crucial saves from Weghorst, Rashford, and Fernandes towards the end.

Despite this loss, there is no denying that Newcastle is heading in the right direction under Howe. Although they would have been happy to reach the final at the start of the season, Wembley once again brought heartbreak to the Geordies.

Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United

What is the Carabao Cup?

The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, is an annual knockout football competition in England. It is open to any club within the top four levels of the English football league system. The tournament is named after its sponsor, a Thai energy drink called Carabao. The competition begins in August and concludes with the final in February or March at Wembley Stadium in London. The winner of the Carabao Cup qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League, a European football club competition.

The Carabao Cup, originally known as the English Football League Cup, started in the 1960-1961 season. It is an annual knockout football competition in men’s domestic English football, organised by the English Football League (EFL). The competition is open to all 92 clubs participating in the Premier League and the English Football League.