KICK-OFF
Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle
We’re underway at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
And away we go, to huge roars from around the ground!
We’re just minutes away from kick-off in the Carabao Cup final and will be on hand to keep you updated with the major developments as United go head-to-head with Newcastle.
Both sides are looking to end their respective trophy droughts, with the Red Devils having failed to win any silverware since lifting the Europa League in 2017.
Newcastle, however, are desperate to win their first major honour in almost 60 years by securing a famous win over United this afternoon.
Here’s a final reminder of the two teams…
Man Utd XI – De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst.
Newcastle XI– Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
It’s the first major trophy of the season and it will be decided this afternoon.
It’s been a cagey start to the match, with both teams still feeling each other out as things stand.
Wout Weghorst had his first sniff at goal for United a moment ago but saw his tame effort collected by Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius.
The Red Devils have probably been the better side thus far but the scores remain level for now.
Casemiro puts United ahead (Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle)
United draw first blood in the Carabao Cup final on 33 minutes as Casemiro heads home from close range!
A delicious free-kick delivery from Luke Shaw finds his Brazilian team-mate, who makes no mistake with his flick-on to beat Loris Karius from the middle of the box.
VAR is called into action to check for an offside but the goal is eventually confirmed and the Red Devils lead at Wembley!
CASEEMIROOOO!!! 💥#MUFC || #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/UySwiHKZY4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2023
Rashford doubles Red Devils lead (Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle)
Who else but Marcus Rashford?
United are two goals up in a matter of minutes as the England ace’s shot benefits from a deflection to take it above Loris Karius and into the back of the net.
He was found with a pinpoint through ball courtesy of Wout Weghorst, with Newcastle facing an uphill battle to claw themselves back into this contest.
RASHFOOOOORD!!! 😍#MUFC || #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/mxyyxfhBjR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2023
Half-time
United lead by two goals at the interval and will be looking to keep things tight in the second half in order to seal their sixth Carabao Cup triumph.
Newcastle will have it all to do when the action gets back underway and Eddie Howe will certainly be looking to rally his players in the dressing room over the next 15 minutes.
Will United hold on to lift the trophy or will the Magpies be able to mount a stunning comeback to claim the honours for themselves?
Only time will tell…
Second half begins
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on for Diogo Dalot at right-back for United, while Alexander Isak has been thrown on by Eddie Howe in place of Sean Longstaff.
We’re back underway for the second half at Wembley…
Magpies pushing hard
United still lead by two goals with just 25 minutes remaining at Wembley, although Newcastle have been knocking on the door as they look to halve the deficit.
The introduction of Alexander Isak has breathed new life into the Magpies but the Red Devils are still keeping them at bay for now.
Manchester United win the Carabao Cup!
The full-time whistle blows in the Carabao Cup final to hand United their first major trophy since 2017!
The Red Devils managed to see off the challenge posed by Newcastle in the closing stages to wrap up a routine 2-0 win under the iconic Wembley arch.
There are wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands as United’s players bask in their latest achievement, which comes as a welcome reward for their improvements under Erik ten Hag over the course of this season.
The Dutchman now has his first trophy as United boss and will be hopeful that it is not his last after an impressive few months at the helm at Old Trafford.
