Manchester United wins Carabao Cup Final; End Trophy Drought with 2-0 Victory over Newcastle
Manchester United’s Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United has ended their six-year trophy drought, with a 2-0 win in the final on Sunday.
Manchester United win first trophy in 6 years
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, has led the club to silverware in just 10 months after his appointment. The victory puts United in contention for the title and still competing in both the Europa League and FA Cup.
Manchester United claimed their first trophy since 2017 with victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The win also ended the club’s six-year wait for silverware.
Casemiro and Sven Botman’s goals
Casemiro broke the deadlock after 33 minutes, heading home Luke Shaw’s free-kick. United doubled their advantage after Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford’s shot out of the reach of Newcastle’s debutant keeper Loris Karius, who was deputizing for the suspended Nick Pope.
Newcastle attempted to rally in the second half but could not find a breakthrough goal. It meant Manchester United were back in the honours after last tasting success six years ago when lifting the Europa League under Jose Mourinho, and also winning this competition in the same campaign.
At the heart of United’s triumph was Casemiro, who stamped his years of trophy-winning experience with Real Madrid all over the showpiece with his expert positioning and authority.
The Brazilian not only made the crucial contribution with the opening goal, but his superb development has helped to make the Old Trafford outfit a serious proposition again.
United’s renaissance under Ten Hag
United’s renaissance under Ten Hag now has tangible reward in the shape of a trophy, with the power to add more this season. The Dutchman’s strong leadership and tactical acumen has transformed them since that nightmare opening to the season when they lost at home to Brighton and shipped four first-half goals in a humiliating loss at Brentford.
All eyes were on German keeper Karius, who was drafted in for Pope, suspended after being sent off against Liverpool.
Despite his notoriety for a calamitous performance for Jurgen Klopp’s team in their 2018 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, no blame can be attached to Karius here. He actually made good saves from Wout Weghorst, Rashford, and, just before the end, Bruno Fernandes.
Newcastle lack end product
Newcastle’s vast Toon Army warmly applauded them at the final whistle, but this will be a bitter disappointment after they travelled south in their hordes with hopes and expectations so high.
There was certainly no lack of effort, but there is a desperate absence of end product to a side whose momentum in the Premier League has slowed.
It showed here as Newcastle got into threatening positions several times in the second half but never took advantage in a manner that might have exerted a measure of pressure on Manchester United.
United’s victory over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final has ended their trophy drought and has given them momentum to compete for more silverware this season.
Ten Hag’s leadership and Casemiro’s impact have helped to transform the club, and Newcastle’s lack of end product has left them still waiting for their first major domestic trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1955.
