Manchester United won the Carabao Cup, beating Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley. First half goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford put an end to United’s six year trophy drought.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Match Summary:
Erik ten Hag made one change to the side, which beat Barcelona on Thursday, with Antony replacing Jadon Sancho. The Reds grew into the game slowly with Newcastle seeing plenty of the ball in the early parts of the game. Newcastle had the first real opportunity of the game, when United failed to deal with Trippier’s excellent delivery.
Saint-Maximin got past Dalot with ease before unleashing a powerful effort towards the goal. However, David de Gea was able to shield the goal with his body and the Red Devils were let off. After a slow start, ten Hag’s men took the lead through a set piece.
Luke Shaw’s wonderful ball into the box was met by the head of Casemiro, who found the back of the net emphatically. Wembley erupted. Minutes later and the Red Devils had full control of the contest.
Wout Weghorst drove towards goal before slipping it through to Rashford. United’s number ten didn’t connect with the ball cleanly but his effort went past Karius and into the roof of the net. From that point on United had full control of the contest and had multiple opportunities to extend their lead.
In the second half Rashford stung the gloves of Karius with a fierce long range effort. Bruno Fernandes went close late on and the Portuguese maestro perhaps should have given it to Sancho, who was unmarked. However, the full time whistle went and United had won the cup without getting out of second-gear for the entirety of the match.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Player Ratings
David de Gea 7/10
Made a great save in the first half and this was crucial as United went on to open the scoring minutes later. Rarely tested but dealt with numerous aerial challenges during Newcastle’s late surge.
Diogo Dalot 6/10
Booked early on and got caught out by Saint-Maximin’s trickery around the hour mark. Booked for a foul on the Frenchman. Involved in some of United’s best possession periods. Taken off at halftime.
Raphael Varane 7/10
Yet another impressive performance from the Frenchman. Kept both Isak and Wilson quiet for the duration of the match. His partnership with Lisandro Martinez continues to thrive.
Lisandro Martinez 8/10
Despite Newcastle targeting him in the air he stood firm. Passing was superb and made some excellent challenges. Kept his composure even when United were under heavy pressure. A brilliant performance in his first final for the Reds.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Struggled at times to keep Trippier quiet but the majority of dangerous moments came from the other flank. Grabbed an assist with an inch-perfect set piece delivery. The goal was identical to Casemiro’s equaliser at Stamford Bridge. Unfazed by the occasion.
Casemiro 9/10
The best player on the pitch. Scored with a towering header to give his side the lead. Efficient on the ball and even better with his off the ball work. Showed great passion, leadership and determination, which ensured his side came out on top. A man of the match performance from the Brazilian.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Didn’t do anything flashy but kept the ball moving and was tidy at all times. Put in a complete in the first half. Not as influential in the second and should have assisted Sancho in the dying moments of the game.
Fred 6/10
Not as good as he was against Barcelona, but still covered plenty of ground. Passing was slightly off in the first few minutes but grew into the game. Worked well with Casemiro until he was taken off halfway through the second half.
Antony 7/10
Didn’t have a significant impact on the game but United look better with him in the team. Combined well with Dalot and Wan-Bissaka. Showed great trickery to beat Dan Burn on multiple occasions.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Not at his scintillating best but still grabbed an important goal, although it did take a hefty deflection. Was a constant threat and tested Karius again late on.
Wout Weghorst 6/10
Did his job. Effective when he dropped into deeper areas as shown with Rashford’s goal where he got an assist. Should have done better with his own chances.
Subs
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
Came on for Dalot, who was on a yellow and kept Saint-Maximin quiet for the entirety of the second half.
Scott McTominay 6/10
Came on to give more protection in midfield.
Marcel Sabitzer 6/10
Made a good challenge, which lead to a Rashford chance.
Jadon Sancho 6/10
Replaced Antony late on to provide fresh legs out wide.
Harry Maguire 6/10
Came on when United switched to a back five. Lifted the trophy with Bruno Fernandes.
Manager 8/10
His decision to keep Weghorst in the team did pay off as he grabbed an assist. Dalot starting wasn’t as successful but the manager rectified this at half time. United weren’t at their attacking best but their pragmatism got them the win and gave them full control of the contest. Ten Hag’s in game management and subs were perfect and he will be thrilled with the level of control his side at all times and with the fact that they kept a clean-sheet.
