Manchester United picked up the first domestic title of the 2022/2023 season, after they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) Final which went down at the Wembley on Sunday evening.
The Magpies began the game brightly but could not break down a very organized United backline. The Red Devils often showed brilliance with fast breaks and constant pressing and they duly got their reward as Brazilian midfielder Casemiro who is having a stellar campaign headed Erik ten Hag’s side in front.
It was soon 2-0 afterwards in the 40th minute as Marcus Rashford’s effort was deflected off defender Sven Botman, as the Red Devils increased their advantage which they took into the interval.
The second half started with Alexander Isak coming on for Sean Longstaff which helped Newcastle United mount pressure on the Red Devils. Despite the best efforts from the Magpies, it was Manchester United who went on to claim the win and with it, a first piece of silverware since 2017 when they won this competition under former manager Jose Mourinho.
As for Newcastle United, their long wait for silverware goes on – having not won a domestic trophy in 68 years. This was their first Final since 1999 where they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup finale.
Manchester United gaffer Erik ten Hag has marked a remarkable first season in charge of the Old Trafford outfit with a trophy.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT WEMBLEY: Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT WEMBLEY: Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United
HALF-TIME AT WEMBLEY: Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United
40′ MIN: Sven Botman scores an unlucky own goal! He deflects a Marcus Rashford shot into his own net.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle United (Own Goal – Sven Botman)
33′ MIN: Perfectly taken free kick! Luke Shaw sends a cross in and Casemiro leaps high to connect with it on the edge of the six-yard box.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle United (Casemiro)
KICK-OFF AT WEMBLEY: Manchester United 0-0 Newcastle United
The Build-Up:
The Red Devils and the Magpies go head-to-head for the first domestic silverware of the 2022/2023 season when they clash at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final this afternoon.
Both teams are aiming to end trophy droughts, with United not having got their hands on silverware for six years – a previously unthinkable feat during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Newcastle’s wait for a trophy is considerably longer. They haven’t won one for 54 years, since the 1969 European Fairs Cup, and not since 1955 – a full 68 years ago – have they won a domestic trophy.
The 2022/2023 Carabao Cup will be a first piece of silverware for whichever manager prevails. Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe are both seeking their first trophies since taking charge of United and Newcastle respectively and a victory at Wembley will be ample reward for positively changing the direction both clubs were seemingly headed.
Optimism is high in both fanbases with thousands of Newcastle supporters already flocking to the capital. Howe’s side are boosted by the return of Bruno Guimaraes but goalkeeper Nick Pope will be a huge miss, with Loris Karius set to start.
This trophy represents something bigger for both teams.
After the Saudi takeover of Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job of bringing success to the club. First he comfortably kept them in the Premier League before kicking on this season and challenging for the top four. Winning the league cup today would be a crowing achievement and Howe’s name would be permanently written into the history and folklore of Newcastle United.
Erik ten Hag is doing a similar job for Manchester United. After a few lean years and some false starts trying to rebuild the team, the Dutchman seems to have cracked the code. United’s triumph over Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs was their biggest scalp under Ten Hag who himself overcame a rocky start to get the Red Devils competing on four fronts. They’re hovering on the edge of a Premier League title race, still in FA Cup, through to the Europa League last-16 and have the chance to win the Carabao Cup this afternoon.
The Red Devils have not lifted silverware since Jose Mourinho led them to a Europa League triumph in 2017 but the prospects of winning a trophy this year seems strong under Ten Hag. Standing in their way are Newcastle who have been waiting 68 years for another domestic cup triumph.
Apex Football News 