Manchester United claimed their first trophy since 2017 with victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Newcastle’s wait for silverware, which stretches back to 1969, saw Manchester United take the lead after two goals in six first-half minutes put them on course for their first win under manager Erik ten Hague. Continued on.
Casemiro broke the deadlock after 33 minutes when he headed home Luke Shaw’s free-kick.
His side doubled their advantage when Sven Boatman parried Marcus Rashford’s shot out of the reach of debutant Newcastle keeper Loris Karius, who was deputizing for the suspended Nick Pope.
Newcastle tried to rally in the second half, but the goals dried up at the wrong time from Eddie Howe’s men.
It meant Manchester United returned to glory after last tasting success six years ago when they lifted the Europa League under Jose Mourinho, and also won the competition in the same campaign.
Casemiro outstanding as United are transformed
United’s renaissance under ten Hague now has a tangible reward in the form of a trophy, with the power to add more this season.
The Dutchman’s strong leadership and tactics have turned him around since a nightmare start to the season when he lost at home to Brighton and scored four first-half goals in a humiliating loss at Brentford.
The arrival of the outstanding Casemiro, the impressive development of striker Lezandro Martinez and the rejuvenation of Rashford have helped make the Old Trafford outfit a serious proposition again.
They weren’t at their best, but once they took control in that final they didn’t let Newcastle back – and it was very much a case of mission accomplished.
At the heart of it all was Casemiro, a real change-maker. The Brazilian not only played a key role with the opening goal but stamped his years of trophy-winning experience with Real Madrid on this showpiece with his expert positioning and authority.
It will also add to the growing belief that Ten Hague is the manager to lead Manchester United forward and out of the jungle that engulfed them prior to his arrival at the start of the season.
No blame on Karius – but Newcastle lack end product
Newcastle’s wide-tuned army applauded him warmly at the final whistle, but it would be a bitter disappointment as he traveled south in his legion with high hopes and expectations.
There was certainly no shortage of effort, but there is a severe absence of end product from a side whose pace has slowed in the Premier League – and that agonizing wait to celebrate a trophy continues.
It showed here as Newcastle came into threatening positions several times in the second half, but never capitalized in a way that would have created a measure of pressure on Manchester United.
All eyes were on German keeper Karius, who was drafted in for Pope – suspended after being sent off against Liverpool – and still for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid. Remembered for a disastrous performance.
Newcastle would have preferred more conviction from Pope, but Karis can’t be blamed here – and he actually made good saves from Wout Weghorst, Rashford and, before the end, Bruno Fernandes.
There is no doubt that despite this loss, Newcastle are heading in the right direction under Howe.
They would have happily taken a grand final earlier in the season, but Wembley once again brought only heartache for the Geordies.
