Newcastle keen to extend Man United’s six-year trophy drought

Wembley Stadium, this evening, will host the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Manchester United, as both teams contend for the first major silverware in English top-flight football.

The game symbolises a battle between legacy and new order. A Saudi-led consortium acquired Newcastle in 2021; its new ownership has inspired a resurgence in form for the Magpies.

They fought their way to a first final since 1999, thereby complementing their impressive form in the league. However, they will have to overcome a tough test against one of the traditional top six teams in England to announce their arrival as a new force.

But, it would not be an easy ride. Their opponent, Manchester United, are desperately seeking to end a trophy drought that has lasted for five seasons.

The Red Devils last won a trophy in May 2017 when they defeated their incumbent manager, Erik Ten Hag’s former club, Ajax in Stockholm. That season, under Jose Mourinho, United completed a double, having also won the Carabao Cup final against Southampton in February.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, will head into this tie with a goalkeeper selection headache. First-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope, was sent off in their last league game against Liverpool, while second-choice goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, is ineligible for the contest because he previously played for Manchester United at the third round of the competition.

This leaves Howe with third-choice goalkeeper and Liverpool rejects, Loris Karius, for the crunch clash.

The presence of in-form Marcus Rashford, who has scored 16 goals after the World Cup in Qatar, will serve as a further boost for the Red Devils. The return of suspended midfielder, Casemiro, will provide the much-needed steel for Manchester United in a match they desperately need a win.
The match will be shown on GOtv platforms.