By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester United defeated Newcastle 2-0
- Eric ten Hag lifts his first trophy at Man United
- The Red Devils are on for a quadruple
LONDON, UK – Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the final of the EFL Cup at Wembley.
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Manchester United had not won a trophy since 2017 when Jose Mourinho‘s side won the Europa League. A new man at the helm, Eric ten Hag, has just won the EFL Cup and it looks to be the first of many.
The wait goes on for Newcastle United’s first silverware since 1969. Although, with the talented side that Eddie Howe has put together, it should only be a matter of time before they do get their hands on something tangible.
Casemiro gave the Red Devils the lead when he headed in from a Luke Shaw free-kick. Their lead was then doubled just before half-time, Marcus Rashford‘s effort took a deflection from Sven Botman which looped over Loris Karius.
The German goalkeeper was only drafted in due to Nick Pope‘s suspension and Martin Dubravka being cup-tied. Karius is infamously for his errors for Liverpool in the Champions League final of 2018. This was a chance for him to make amends but unfortunately, it was not to be as the two goals were enough to send the EFL Cup to Manchester.
Karius did make two good saves to deny Rashford and Bruno Fernandes so he can take pride in his performance. Unfortunately, Newcastle was unable to break down the Red Devils’ defence and could not make more of a game from it.
Fernandes who started the match as the skipper lifted the trophy alongside club captain Harry Maguire. This victory shows how far United have come under ten Hag this season.
The Dutchman has turned their fortunes around after a difficult start to the campaign. He has dealt with the disruption that Cristiano Ronaldo was causing at the club and the future is looking brighter at Old Trafford.
After winning this cup, they are on for a quadruple as they are still in the FA Cup, Europa League, and the title race. This could be the start of another trophy-laden era which the club have not had since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson. Ten Hag has a close relationship with the former United boss, who met in the tunnel after the game.
Talking to Sky Sports after the game, ten Hag paid tribute to his players, “Yet again this evening, they had the right spirit. It’s a very good spirit, they act as a team and fight, give everything.
“It was not always the best football, but it was effective. Firstly, you have to win the first one [trophy]. We will get a lot of inspiration from this, but also more confidence that we can do it.”
Next up for the Red Devils is an FA Cup tie against West Ham United on Wednesday, March 1. While Newcastle’s are next in action the following Saturday in an important Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
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