Carabao Cup Final: Manchester United to beat Newcastle

Manchester United face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Despite a potential upset, United are favourites to win.

Marcus Rashford will be interested in this game with Loris Karius in goal for Newcastle, is there any stopping the United forward? (Photo credit: The Sun)

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Wembley Stadium

5:30pm

Manchester United remains the firm favourite to land the first piece of silverware this season, but the Red Devils must do the business on the pitch when they take on Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.

Newcastle suffered double jeopardy in their home loss to Liverpool last weekend.

Nick Pope was sent off for a professional foul, and his substitute Martin Dubravka won’t be able to face United in the final, having played one game for the Red Devils on loan in the Carabao Cup already this season.

United booked a place in the final with a 5-0 aggregate win over Nottingham Forest, while the Magpies beat Southampton over two legs to qualify for their first final in decades.

The whole of London is abuzz with tens of thousands of Newcastle fans storming the city for the encounter.

Erik Ten Hag has done a great job with United despite inheriting a squad that finished second in the league twice in four years.

It dates back to 2017 for United’s last Cup final, and they will do all they can to ensure they win this.

Newcastle can shock United; even with ten men, the Magpies were the better side in the second half against Liverpool.

But you can argue that this Liverpool side isn’t anywhere close to perfection, and they will need to be at their best to earn their stripes at Wembley.

Bruno Guimaraes is back after serving his suspension for the red card he received in the second leg of the semifinals, and Callum Wilson will be available for selection.

Defensive solidity has been the bedrock of Newcastle’s strong season, but can they do much with Loris Karius in goal?

United will have everyone available for the game, and the beauty of it all is in the options available to Ten Hag.

United remain alive on all fronts this season after dumping Barcelona from the Europa League to book a date with Real Betis in the round of 16.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are the two players to watch out for in the final for the Red Devils, but defensively, Lisandro Martinez will be immense.

Newcastle must stay disciplined, and players like Allan Saint Maximin must be decisive if he does get an opportunity.

Verdict: Manchester United to win