Man Utd win Carabao Cup in lift-off for Ten Hag era

By Jason Burt at Wembley

The hips do not lie. Erik ten Hag shook his stuff on the pitch, dancing with Lisandro Martinez and Antony, after the final whistle and, at last, Manchester United have their new choreographer.

Never mind The Last Dance. This was the First Dance and United have a liking for the tune. It feels familiar. It feels reassuring. The personnel may be different but the band is back together. It may have been only the League Cup, essentially the fourth most important competition in their list of priorities, but this looked very much like lift-off for United under Ten Hag as they claimed their first trophy under him and their first for six years.

Neither does it feel like it will be the last. Maybe even not this season as they continue to fight on all fronts, with West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday, Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and having just knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League. There was applause for Ten Hag from Sir Alex Ferguson as they met after the game, followed by a hug. The respect was clear.

It should not be forgotten that during those barren years Ten Hag has been collecting silverware – three Dutch titles and two Dutch Cups with Ajax – and there is the mark of the serial winner about him. Even as he jigged with his players there was a sense of “follow my lead” and clearly United are now all in with the 53-year-old. “We have a history with that in Amsterdam,” Ten Hag later said of his father dancing with him at Ajax.

There were more moments that showed what Ten Hag is all about. He was decisive in his substitutions: off came Diogo Dalot at half-time because he had been booked and was struggling against Allan Saint-Maximin. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his replacement, made seven tackles – more than anyone else, despite playing half a game.

Then, as Newcastle tried to pile on the pressure, on came Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer to stiffen up the midfield and, after that, Harry Maguire – replacing Marcus Rashford – as Ten Hag uncompromisingly flooded his defence. The message was clear: all that mattered was the W. Similarly, into injury time, when there was a Bruno Fernandes-provoked melee with pushing and shoving and some spiky recriminations, Ten Hag stood passively; almost approvingly. It showed fight and he will be unapologetic that his team collected six yellow cards.

The biggest fighter was a player Ten Hag had fought to bring in even though, at £60 million and given he turned 31 last week, it was an expensive deal. Casemiro encapsulated that winning mentality. It was not just his goal but his ferocity. The Brazilian held off countryman Joelinton to usher the ball out of play and sprung up to celebrate as if he had scored. Just before half-time he again frustrated the Newcastle midfielder, who grabbed him around the neck. No wonder Ten Hag also sought him out at the final whistle, for Casemiro has now won 17 of the 18 finals he has contested (his one disappointment was losing the Uefa Super Cup to Atletico Madrid) and his former Real Madrid team-mate, Raphael Varane, is not far behind.

Winning is what defines them. But it is not just about new players. Varane, after an injury-hit first campaign, is now liberated. There has been such an incredible transformation in the formerly castigated or calamitous: in Fred, in Marcus Rashford, in David de Gea. Ten Hag has been so sure-footed. Maguire may not have a future at United but came on and felt more comfortable about lifting the trophy as club captain. Similarly Wan-Bissaka. Then there is Luke Shaw, who was vilified by Jose Mourinho, accusing him of lacking tactical awareness, but he has successfully played three positions.

For Newcastle, the disappointment was overwhelming. It is 54 years since winning a trophy as this encounter became the fifth final they have lost, three in the FA Cup and twice in this competition, since landing the Inter-City Fairs Cup. Hopefully they will feed off this and it may drive them on, but the sense of a missed opportunity was etched on the face of manager Eddie Howe. Chances do not always come around as often as expected, no matter the potential or the resources.

They know they have only half a team able to succeed but are undoubtedly on the right path. In the end there was also, under the Wembley arch, no redemption arc for Loris Karius and the contrast with De Gea was clear. Neither played badly – Karius made eight saves, the most in a League Cup final for 11 years, while De Gea’s 181st clean sheet took him ahead of Peter Schmeichel’s United record. But the difference came with three first-half incidents.

Moments before Casemiro scored it was De Gea’s razor-sharp reflexes to shoot out a hand and turn over Saint-Maximin’s close-range shot that kept Newcastle out. At the other end Shaw’s free-kick was precise and Casemiro headed past Karius. By the time he met the ball Casemiro was just six yards out – should the goalkeeper have come?

This was the 29-year-old German’s first final since that Champions League catastrophe for Liverpool in 2018 and, more pertinently, his first game for 728 days due to Nick Pope’s suspension and Martin Dubravka’s ineligibility. Soon after, Wout Weghorst slid in Rashford, whose shot flicked off Sven Botman with Karius only able to turn it high into the net. There was the nagging sense that the goalkeeper could have done better.

And as Ten Hag danced it nagged at Newcastle, also, as a whole. When Ten Hag left his post-match press conference he forgot to take the trophy with him, before being reminded. “I’m already on to the next cup. This one is in,” he said with a smile. He was not joking.

Man Utd vs Newcastle, as it happened

07:15 PM

That will do it for our blog

Well done Manchester United, ten Hag really seems to have them on the good foot. Newcastle a bit unlucky to be 0-2 at half time, and one felt sorry for their supporters, but Manchester United closed that out very professionally. Over to Jason for the match report.

07:11 PM

Here is Eddie Howe on BBC Radio Five Live

"We played really well between both boxes today, we gave everything but we just didn't get those breaks at both ends.

"We should have defended the free-kick better and then the second goal is a killer.

"We did everything to get back in the game. We had chances but couldn't take them and that's why we lost.

"No complaints with how we played, obviously the scoreline doesn't say that, and that's where football can be cruel.

"Individually and collectively I thought we played well but it just didn't happen in the box and we need to work on that.

"I can't take positives from losing but I can from the performance. They've been committed and give everything for the club.

"I'm sorry we couldn't deliver for the fans today.

"The competition we are in now is at a very high level and we need to bridge that gap. Games are decided by small margins so we need to improve and hopefully we can enjoy more days like this.

07:08 PM

The winners

07:07 PM

Erik ten Hag

"Very proud of my players. They fought and they gave everything . Not always the best football but it was effective.

"First you have to win the first one, and that is what we did today. We will take inspiration from this and also confidence. The job is to win trophies.

"The boys have a good connection and they challenge each other.

"I just want to win. We have invested from the start of the season. The staff have done an incredible job with the players.

"Varane, Casemiro, De Gea they know how to win trophies. They bring that experience into the team in difficult moments.

"Some champagne for the staff. Players have a game on Wednesday!" (I think he is joking...)

07:03 PM

Player ratings

Here's our Man United expert James Ducker and our Newcastle expert Luke Edwards

Manchester United vs Newcastle player ratings: Casemiro class above; Almiron has stage fright

07:00 PM

David De Gea

"This is the start of a new era. The team is ready and we will be ready again. Lets keep going and win more. We beat a good team today."

07:00 PM

Luke Shaw

"It feels amazing. We want to create our own history here with a new team and a new manager. I am really happy and proud of the team."

"Sometimes people forget those who are not on the pitch but the people on the training ground deserve this just as much as us. I have been here a long time I have had some good times and some bad times and they have been there for me. We feel the love from the fans and we hope they feel the same for us.

06:59 PM

Marcus Rashford

"Hunger is to have more moments like this. I have been in finals where we won and some where we lost. This makes you want to have more.

"Boys have put a lot of work in to get here. We want to have more trophies to add to the club history.

"Manager wants us to play attacking football and we want to get close to each other on the pitch. Casemiro makes a huge difference, his leadership and experience. Speaking to the other forward lads, you feel a sense of security having him playing behind you."

06:51 PM

Newcastle will be back, no doubt

06:50 PM

Wait over

This was Man United's first trophy since this competition, the EFL Cup, in 2017 when they beat Southampton 3-2.

06:48 PM

Roy Keane on Sky Sports

"You look at the players reaction and the supporters. They were desperate for success. All the build up was about Newcastle and their wait but five, six years for Manchester United seems a long time. They deserved their victory. They were efficient and scored two good goals. Hopefully it is the start of the good days coming back to United."

06:46 PM

All the United guys

taking a turn lifting the trophy, and then Erik ten Hag has a go. Probably the biggest cheer yet. United have, at last, seemingly found the successor to Fergie.

06:45 PM

Close but not really in doubt

06:44 PM

Fernandes and Maguire lift the trophy together

One hand each. That leaves one of the trophy's handles free.

06:43 PM

Here's Marcus Rashford at the final whistle

06:42 PM

Here is James Ducker

"A postscript, but a significant one all the same. Shutting out Newcastle means David De Gea has now set a new record for a United goalkeeper of 181 clean sheets, surpassing Peter Schmeichel."

06:41 PM

Talking of Bruno

He started the match as captain but has given the armband to the club captain, Sir Spamhead. Harry Maguire is now leading the team up the Wembley steps.

06:38 PM

Here is Bruno Fernandes

"Amazing feeling. We have been searching for this moment (us, the fans, the club) finally we get our trophy. I think we deserve it.

"This is not enough for this club. We want more and we need more."

06:32 PM

Full time: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Manchester United hold on. Impressive second half from them, they really closed that out like an outfit who know what they are doing. Probably got a little bit lucky to be 2-0 up at the half with a Casemiro header and a deflected own goal. Newcastle had their moments but all things considered the best side one. Hard lines to the Newcastle faithful, who made it into a great occasion.

Stick around for reaction from the players and managers, and analysis from our experts Luke Edwards, James Ducker and Jason Burt at Wembley.

06:30 PM

90 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Five minutes added. Booking for Shaw as he wastes some time. Joelinton header from the resultant freekick. De Gea save.

Little bit of argy bargy, nothing dramatic, and it's now certain that Man U have done enough....

06:28 PM

90 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Rashford off for MAguire. Newcastle obviously having to throw everything forward.

Man U break, Bruno Fernandes opts to shoot when he had a colleague better placed but a corner off Karius is a decent outcome.

They'll run down the clock a bit more.

06:22 PM

86 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Casemiro fouls and is booked. Newcastle have a freekick, half cleared and Jacob Murphy tries the long ranger again. A bit better than the previous but still not really a threat.

06:21 PM

85 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

I'm no expert but Ten Hag seems to be a really good in-game manager. His subs and tweaks have made MUFC progressively more solid. As they got a bit pushed back, he took Weghorst off and moved Rashford up front to give them more threat on the counter.

Newcastle need the first goal very soon.

06:16 PM

80 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Antony off and Sancho on.

Murphy's had a pointless long range effort for Newcastle.

06:16 PM

78 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Sabitzer has been at it. Another decent shot.

Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock on. Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes off, the latter looks a bit hurt.

06:15 PM

77 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

De Gea resolute and excellent yet again.

06:08 PM

74 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Newcastle lose it, Man U break, Rashford down the centre. He's got a lot to do. Shoots at the keeper.

Now Sabitzer with an effort. Man United looking very solid in the centre.

06:06 PM

72 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Big save from De Gea as Trippier gets down the right from a quick free.... DDG could not have known the offside flag would go up as it did.

06:05 PM

70 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Ten Hag, it seems to me, senses that MU are getting a little bit passive, inviting it on a bit, and looks to make a chance. It's Fred and Weghorst off. Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay on, and the danger man Rashford now goes up front, which should give them more threat on the counter.

06:04 PM

68 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Newcastle are making all the running. They've had two shots in quick succession. Both of the shots, in fact, came from Joelinton. Wan-Bissaka blocked the first and Martinez, in the six yard box, the second.

06:02 PM

65 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Sven Botman not having a day to remember. Charged with an OG and now been booked for chucking the ball away like a toddler.

05:58 PM

Feel for the chap sat next to him

05:57 PM

60 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Izak has been handy since coming on. Newcastle still in this, Izak here leading an attack in a scrappy period that nearly seems Newcastle bundle through the MUFC lines.

05:55 PM

57 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Bruno on Bruno violence as Man United's Fernandes and Newcastle United's Guimaraes go for a 50-50. It's the Newcastle one who comes off the worse.

05:54 PM

55 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

A spell of pressure for MUFC, with corners, ends as Wout Weghorst heads the ball at Karius.

05:53 PM

53 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Callum Wilson gets to the front post, Martinez nips in. Wilson thinks that should be a corner but is frustrated.

05:45 PM

51 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Trippier with a freekick into the box. Wan-Bissaka repels it.

05:41 PM

47 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Antony has space (too much) on the edge of the Newcastle box and tries to curl one.

05:39 PM

46 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

We are back underway.

There is a change for each side.

Alexander Isak for Sean Longstaff. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has replaced Diogo Dalot (booked) at right-back for MU.

Fred tries his luck with a curling shot.

James Ducker: "As I suspected, Wan-Bissaka replaces Dalot. Makes total sense."

05:33 PM

Goal UPDATE - sorry Marcus Rashford

That second goal is now being chalked up as an own goal to Sven Botman. Bad news for Marcus, bad news for the Newcastle defender who deflected it past his own keeper.

05:24 PM

Half time: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

That's a tough scoreline for Newcastle, it has been closer than that but Man United are a team in form and things are going their way.

Here is Casemiro thundering in the first with his heid.

James Ducker: "I wouldn't be entirely surprised if we see Aaron Wan-Bissaka coming on at half time or after an hour. Saint-Maximin has the beating of Dalot, who is already on a yellow card. The last thing Ten Hag will want at 2-0 up is to see his side reduced to 10 men."

05:20 PM

45+ mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Plenty of added time. Here is Weghorst on a powerful run, and he smashes a shot on target that Karius tips over. Can't score versus can't save.

Antony with some tricksy/showboating play down by the touchline, mugging off Burn. Joelinton comes over, hacks at the ball, then hacks at Casemiro for a yellow. That's the last action of a frustrating half for the NUFC guys.

05:20 PM

45+ mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Fred, already booked, fouled Longstaff. The Newcastle players want the already booked Fred off, but ref does not agree.

05:19 PM

Bereft

05:18 PM

45 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Luke Edwards: "You feel as though Newcastle needed to pull one back before half time and this here was a massive chance for Dan Burn. He had to score it, This game already feels like it is slipping away. The Magpies have had two big chances and have not taken, the first one a good save by De Gea to deny Saint-Maximin the second that miss, from six yards, by Burn. There is a reason they have not won anything for so long!"

Casemiro puts in a big tackle and as he gets up, urges the Unite fans on. He's well up for it.

05:16 PM

42 mins: Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

I really feel for Karius. Basically he would have had the shot covered if it was clean, but the deflection sort of slowed the ball up and deceived him and he ended up kind of clawing at the air in rather an undignified fashion.

Here is James Ducker: "A dream six minutes for Manchester United, and two of their most influential players score the two goals. It's hard to overstate the impact Casemiro has made since his summer arrival from Real Madrid and that's a big goal at an important stage in the game. The delivery from Luke Shaw, though, was superb. It's been a huge area of improvement in his game in the last few seasons especially.

"And to score again so soon puts United firmly in the box seat. Weghorst does very well, slipping the ball in behind for Rashford, whose shot is scuffed but deflects off Botman and over Karius. I think the Newcastle goalkeeper has to do better in those circumstances, though. Goal No 25 for Rashford. Not sure there's a more in form player in European football at the moment."

05:12 PM

GOAL! Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0 (Rashford 39)

Oh no! Lorius. Is that his fault? I don't think it is actually. Rashford down the inside left channel, drives at the goal and hits a shot. As he tries desperately to dispossess Marcus, Newcastle's defender Botman gets a wee touch on it and the deflection is just enough to deceive Karius, who is beaten.

Weghorst the man who sent Rashford through.

05:10 PM

36 mins: Manchester United 1 Newcastle United 0

Stephen Warnock on the BBC: "We talked about big games and big occasions. Casemiro knows all about them and he's popped up with a big goal. The delivery from Luke Shaw is what makes this."

Meanwhile, Fred has been booked for clattering Longstaff.

05:05 PM

GOAL! Manchester United 1 Newcastle United 0 (Casemiro 33)

Luke Shaw whips in the freekick and there's Casemiro to head it in! Is this offside? Var var var is having a look. This is going to be tight..

The experts ie Gary Neville are saying "this looks offside"... BUT! The goal is given. Man U go ahead!

05:05 PM

32 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Here come Man U though, Rashford bundled to the floor. They win a freekick.

05:04 PM

30 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Oooh Geordies! That was really exciting. A nice little move here from the Mags, Longstaff gets down the right, slashes the ball across and Saint-M gets it over on the left. Lovely bit of skill for him, turns Dalot inside and out, fires at goal but he's not got the angle.

05:01 PM

28 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Schar and Martinez banged into each other, both seem in some pain but nothing too dramatic. Delay of game.

04:59 PM

25 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Kieran Tripper gets down the flank, Almiron feeds him, Trippier crosses and Big Joe Linton heads over.

Here is Luke Edwards: "It has been a pretty even game so far and there are some intriguing one on one battles forming. Diogo Dalot has already picked up a silly yellow card for a foul on Allan Saint-Maximin who will now run, at speed, at him at every given opportunity. That is not a position you want to be in as a full back.

In turn, Dan Burn is looking isolated against Antony and Manchester United are probing down that side in the hope the Brazil international can create something down the right flank. Burn was involved in some animated conversations with the Newcastle bench during a break in play, making the point he needed some help from somewhere."

04:58 PM

23 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Bruno Guimaraes got a whack on the bonce but seems to be ok.

04:58 PM

22 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Stoppy-starty fare at the moment with various players getting knocks and bangs and needing looked at.

04:57 PM

20 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Preparing a space in the very large "not a classic" cup finals file for this so far.

04:47 PM

14 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Man United starting to take control of this. Dalot down the flank, dangerous low cross, hacked away in something like a panic.

04:46 PM

13 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Wieghorst! Has a chance but fails to trouble the keeper. The non scoring Dutchman.

Some heartwarming scenes here, this is why we love the game.

04:43 PM

11 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Eddie Howe looks cold and has put on another layer. That is NOT proper Geordie. These'll be tops off surely today.

Wout Weghorst tackles Bruno Guimaraes. Foul. WW protests. Then Diogo Dalot is booked for chopping down Allan Saint-Maximin.

04:38 PM

7 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Fred is in the wide awake club to cut out a dangerous ball after handy work from Saint-Maximin

04:36 PM

4 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Longstaff with a decent ball, into the feet of Calum Wilson, but he cannot sort those feet out and Man U can get it clear.

04:34 PM

2 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Rashford is playing out on the left, he's up against fellow England man Trippier and he has got the run on KT here. Marcus plays it across, and Newcastle have to put that behind for a corner.

They deal well with said corner and break sharply with Almiron, but he takes the wrong option.

The Man U players were all over/around Karius there, trying to rattle him

04:33 PM

1 mins: Manchester United 0 Newcastle United 0

Man United hit the ball long. There's a foul and now Newcastle have a freekick from deep, but overcook that and Dalot shepherds the ball out for a goal kick.

Man Utd: de Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Casemiro, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst. Subs: Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Sabitzer, Heaton, Sancho, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Garnacho.

Newcastle: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin. Subs: Lascelles, Ritchie, Targett, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Willock, Gillespie, Anderson.

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire)

04:25 PM

Here is James Ducker

"I don't think it's any surprise Marcus Rashford starts. It was probably in Ten Hag's interests to paint an uncertain picture over his star striker's fitness. I found it interesting just days after a dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson that the Dutchman should make a move straight out of the former United manager's playbook by questioning Newcastle's time-wasting tactics on the eve of the final. Has he sowed a seed in referee David Coote's mind? The only big selection question mark was whether he started Jadon Sancho over Wout Weghorst. He's gone for Weghorst, probably hoping he does his job for an hour or so and then bring on Sancho as an impact sub for the final half an hour."

04:24 PM

Howay the lads and lasses back home

04:21 PM

Fair play to them

04:17 PM

Eddie Howe

"We have been waiting for this game, we are glad it is here, and we want to do our best."

04:16 PM

Here (centre) is the reason Herr Karius is getting a game

04:08 PM

More from Erik ten Hag

"It's a great moment to go to Wembley. I think it's a real theatre.

"To play a game and to play a final it is really exciting to go there. If you go there you want to win and it's a big day.

"If you play, you want to win. It's a great opportunity to get the silverware in, football is all about glory and honour.

"We are doing everything we can to give fans their honour."

04:07 PM

And here is James Ducker

04:05 PM

Here's Luke Edwards

04:02 PM

Big day for Karius

Hard to overstate. Poor chap had an awful time didn't he, concussed in that Champions League final where he was at fault for two goals. Never played for Liverpool again. Loan spells at Union Berlin and Besiktas.

His partner, Diletta Leotta, who works for Sky Italia has written an open letter of support for him. Sweet.

“The two years of sad nights, the knot in your throat and the bad thoughts that kept you away from playing, but not from your greatest passion; the green football pitch that makes millions of children dream every day.

“A big thank you to your team and the strength you’ve been able to find in one another. Of course, we don’t deny it, the blow was hard, but, as you taught me, life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent how you decide to react."

03:56 PM

Phil Jones on Rashford

"His body shape is different People don't see the work he puts in after training, the gym. He won't thank me for saying it but on form he is probably the best player in the world."

03:54 PM

The teams

Manchester United: de Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Casemiro, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst. Subs: Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Sabitzer, Heaton, Sancho, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Garnacho.

Newcastle United: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin. Subs: Lascelles, Ritchie, Targett, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Willock, Gillespie, Anderson.

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire)

03:53 PM

This man is making a debut

03:50 PM

Marcus Rashford

did a joint interview with Barack Obama this week.

On Fergie: "First met him when I was nine years old."

On Obama: "He is so humble, it was amazing. I did an interview with him this week and we talked for ages."

03:47 PM

Erik ten Hag

"You have to get joy from the event, and we do. I do."

"The players are looking forward to it."

03:44 PM

Roy has already had an eggy about something

or other. I think a camera has spooked him.

03:42 PM

Sky have a good team out

Roy and Gurreh as you might expect. Sir Les and Daveeed for the Newcastle angle. The estimable Mark Chapman is on hosting duties. Always a bit odd seeing Chappers on Sky.

03:40 PM

The teamsheet

03:40 PM

Newcastle United team

03:39 PM

Manchester United team

03:36 PM

Our Newcastle expert James Ducker

03:34 PM

Motty

03:17 PM

Here in the capital

Scores of Newcastle fans have descended on Trafalgar Square in central London ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash with Man Utd at Wembley, but it is much quieter than the scenes witnessed on Saturday night.

Kyle Rutherford, 19, from Whitley Bay, is among Newcastle fans gathered in Trafalgar Square ahead of his side's Carabao Cup final against Man Utd at Wembley.

Mr Rutherford said: "It doesn't even feel real to be here, it just feels like I'm in a dream.

"We have watched however many years of rubbish, to be here for this one moment of being in a cup final, being here with the lads, is a total experience.

"Even if we don't win I'm so buzzing to be here, but if we win I don't think the world's prepared for what happens tonight.

"It's amazing to be here with all the Geordies taking over."

A Newcastle fan said it "blows my mind" how many supporters have flocked to central London ahead of the club's Carabao Cup final clash with Man Utd.

In Trafalgar Square, Corey Jones, 32, who is originally from Newcastle but lives in Goole, Yorkshire, said: "It blows my mind how many Newcastle fans have managed to turn up, they have taken over London.

"I'm hugely nervous, it would be amazing to get a win today.

"I'd like it to maybe be 2-1 to Newcastle but my prediction is Man Utd are going to win 1-0.

"I'm insanely proud to be a Newcastle fan. If we win tonight the first place I'm coming is back here, it's going to be insane around here."

03:02 PM

James Ducker to set the Carabao scene

Marcus Rashford says Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop him for oversleeping was exactly what he would have done as a manager - and believes the Dutchman’s refusal to accept any slip in standards is why Manchester United are back in contention for silverware.

The England striker is playing the best football of his life and has already posted a career best return of 24 goals for United this season, with the player crediting Ten Hag and his staff with helping to improve his mentality.

Rashford momentarily fell foul of Ten Hag’s strict rules when he was dropped for the Wolves game on Dec. 31 after turning up late due to having overslept - only to come on as a half-time substitute and score the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win.

But the 25-year-old insists he fully agreed with Ten Hag’s punishment and that the manager’s disciplinary culture has helped to transform the outlook at a club that had lost its way.

“For me, that’s why I never made a thing out of it because if I was a coach, I’d have done the same,” said Rashford, who has given United an injury scare ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final after being substituted with a knock late in Thursday’s Europa win over Barcelona. “Because if you don’t have standards in the training ground, how do you expect to go out on the pitch and win consistently? It’s impossible.

“If you’re going to allow each other to slip or have an off day and no one says anything about it, which is at times a position that we’ve been in, once you're in that [situation] it’s difficult to get out of it because it becomes normal and I’ve not seen it at this club before.

“So, for me, it was a little bit strange and it’s even more strange when you're involved in it. When I talk about the constant reminders [from the staff] of being in the [right] areas [on the pitch], it’s the same thing - constant reminders about discipline.

“However harsh or otherwise that reminder is, it’s a reminder. For me, it was not starting a game but you have to accept it, you have to move forward. We spoke about it afterwards a little bit but once he made that decision, it’s his decision and you have to respect it.”

Rashford is due back at Wembley for the first time since missing a penalty for England in their Euro 2020 final shoot-out defeat to Italy in July 2021, after which he endured the worst season of his career.

But Rashford’s star and goals output has soared under Ten Hag and the striker - one of the world’s best players on form - believes he is benefiting enormously from the improved team structure and the management staff’s constant tips and pointers about being in the right headspace and areas.

“Football is probably 95 per cent to do with your mentality. For me, that's everything - that gives you the baseline to go and perform,” he said. “Without that side, you're just playing off ability. At the top level, it's not enough to win consistently.

“There are a lot of players that have ability, that's why they play at the top level. But what sets them apart is the mentality. I've been on both sides of it. I understand the strength of it and the value of it. I'm just concentrating a lot more on keeping myself in that headspace and I think it's needed in order to go and win games and trophies.”

Rashford added: “I'm just in the areas to score goals more consistently. The staff have been always giving me constant reminders to keep going. If the ball doesn't come, don't worry - believe it's going to come, because it's only going to come one time.

“Just having them constant reminders and stuff like that, I feel like I'm just drifting into those positions now and it's great to be able to do that.

“The staff as a whole are talking to you about that one chance - as a forward that's sometimes the game. You could have a quiet game, conditions might not be so good. But the only thing that I can focus on is me consistently being in the areas to score goals and that's what's within my capabilities and that's what I've just been doing.

“Last season happened, I can't get it back, but one thing I can do is just learn from it and try and do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen again.”