Manchester United lifted silverware for the first time in over five years as they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
Charged by emotion, Newcastle fans had taken over London in the build-up to the final, and created a raucous atmosphere by kick-off, making Wembley seem more like the Gallowgate End at St James’ Park.
Read Also
By HT however, their dreams of a first major domestic trophy for nearly seven decades had been squashed by the ruthless Red Devils – the very team that beat them 24 years ago in their previous cup final appearance.
Taking charge of his first major final, Eddie Howe now had the unenviable task of motivating his players to overturn a two-goal deficit if his team were to be victorious, and avoid a ninth successive loss at Wembley.
But the greater experience of key Man Utd players such as Casemiro and Raphaël Varane proved instrumental, as the Red Devils contained Newcastle’s attacks with relative ease.
Ten Hag’s men hadn’t conceded a goal in this competition in their last four matches en route to the final, and the same solidity was on show here until the resounding final whistle, as the Dutchman matched José Mourinho by winning the League Cup in his first season in charge at Old Trafford.
