Manchester United have won the Carabao Cup after defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in the final. The victory secured United’s first trophy in six years and ensured that Newcastle’s 68-year wait for domestic silverware continued.
The game began with Newcastle looking like the stronger team until Casemiro headed in the opening goal. At halftime, Manchester United had a 2-0 lead thanks to Marcus Rashford’s deflected shot that beat Newcastle’s stand-in goalkeeper Loris Karius.
Newcastle tried to respond after the break but couldn’t find a way past United’s defence, with David de Gea producing an important save to deny the Magpies’ star player Allan Saint-Maximin. As a result, United lifted their first piece of silverware since the Europa League in 2017.
Erik ten Hag, who took over as manager this season, has overseen a quick reversal in United’s fortunes after they finished sixth last season. In his first season in charge, he has already led the club to a trophy. Ten Hag spoke about taking the job, saying,
“Maybe it was a risk, but I am stubborn and I just love United. When I see our shirts, the bond with the fans, when I see Old Trafford, the legacy like Sir Alex [Ferguson] left, and how so many big players were developed in a United shirt and we want to do the same. This team wants to make its own history and when this opportunity came, I thought it was the right club for me and that I want to be a part of it.”
Erik ten Hag
Newcastle, on the other hand, were playing in their first cup final in 24 years, but it ended in disappointment as they were unable to secure their first piece of domestic silverware since the 1955 FA Cup. In their previous visit to Wembley in the 1999 FA Cup final, Newcastle United also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Overall, it was a deserved victory for Manchester United, who have shown significant improvement under the guidance of Ten Hag. The Dutchman will now look to build on this success and guide the club to even greater achievements in the future.