Manchester United ended their six-year wait for silverware as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
United last won a major trophy in their 2017 Europa League campaign, but looked comfortable in their display against Eddie Howe’s side as Casemiro’s header and a Marcus Rashford goal gave Newcastle too much to overcome in their first League Cup final appearance since 1976.
There was little in the way of clear-cut chances in a frantic beginning, but United opened the scoring on 33 minutes with the first of two quickfire goals as stalwart midfielder Casemiro sent half of Wembley into pandemonium. Luke Shaw delivered a stooping ball in from a wide free kick and the Brazil international expertly glanced a header into the far corner. He was deemed to have been played marginally onside after a VAR check.
With the momentum in their favour, United doubled their lead six minutes later as Newcastle defender Botman guided Rashford’s effort into his own goal. Wout Weghorst burst forward and played Rashford in behind. The 25-year-old’s shot from a narrow angle was diverted up and over the stretching Loris Karius by Botman as United tightened their grip on the trophy.
The goal was initially ruled an own goal on Botman, but later on Sunday it was credited to Rashford, marking the England international’s first goal in a final in his seventh time playing in one.
Newcastle returned in the second half with an improved yet toothless performance, with Joelinton coming closest but having his shot well-blocked by Lisandro Martinez, as United comfortably saw out the victory.
United have enjoyed an improved season in their first term under the former Ajax manager. They’re third in the Premier League table and still in the Europa League draw. Ten Hag is the first manager at Old Trafford to win silverware since Jose Mourinho.
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