On Sunday, Manchester United broke their short trophy drought by winning the League Cup at Wembley Stadium, where they secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, whose trophy drought is now much longer.
The match saw goals from Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, with the latter earning the title of Man of the Match for his impressive performance as a cantankerous central midfielder. This triumph marks Manchester United’s first trophy since securing the League Cup and Europa League double in 2017.
With this victory, Manchester United have now won their sixth League Cup title, placing them in third position for most tournament titles behind Liverpool (9) and Manchester City (8).
This victory is also Erik ten Hag’s first trophy with Manchester United, and the Dutchman demonstrated his exceptional coaching skills by successfully shutting down the Magpies’ attack in the second half.
There is no doubt that Manchester United’s entire mindset has shifted since the club made the decision to part ways with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, chose to keep captain Harry Maguire on the bench, and put the keys firmly in Ten Hag’s hands.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s search for a top trophy continues, although he did lead Bournemouth to three promotions from League Two to the Premier League between 2010 and 2015.
Newcastle United had not reached a final since 1999 and has not won a domestic trophy since 1955. Despite this, the stadium was filled with black and white supporters, and the club remains optimistic that better times are ahead.
CASEMIRO OPENS UP THE SCORING IN THE CARABAO CUP FINAL! pic.twitter.com/w0uagZsVjx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 26, 2023
Marcus Rashford can’t stop scoring! 🫡
(via @ESPNFC) | #MUFC pic.twitter.com/x8VJjJS2t8
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 26, 2023
Final Words
During the closing minutes at the stadium’s west side, Newcastle’s fans had waved black and white plastic flags, but they left before the trophy presentation, having witnessed their team’s ninth consecutive defeat at Wembley since the 1974 FA Cup final.
In contrast, Man United’s supporters celebrated loudly as Bruno Fernandes raised the trophy, hoping for many more victories under the guidance of their manager, Erik ten Hag.
This season has seen United improve under the former Ajax coach, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League and still in contention in the Europa League. Ten Hag is the first manager since Jose Mourinho to bring silverware to Old Trafford.