Meanwhile, it is Newcastle’s first final in 24 years with Eddie Howe‘s side looking to end the club’s 54-year trophy drought.
Rarely has a Carabao Cup final been as anticipated as this afternoon’s clash at Wembley between Manchester United and Newcastle.
Unsurprisingly, Erik ten Hag’s side go into the game as favourites. They are on a high after knocking Barcelona out of the Europa League in midweek, as the club continues to impress on an fronts.
There was concern though over the fitness of Marcus Rashford, who has 16 goals in 18 matches since the World Cup, but he starts in a huge boost.
Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a superb season, even if they are on a stumbling run of no wins in their three matches since booking their place at Wembley.
The Magpies have Loris Karius in goal, with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.
Starting XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Weghorst
Subs: Heaton, Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Malacia, McTominay, Sabitzer, Garnacho, Sancho
So Diogo Dalot plays ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back, Casemiro and Fred continue their midfield partnership and Wout Weghorst plays in attack ahead of Jadon Sancho.
But the MASSIVE news is that Marcus Rashford, an injury worry before the final, IS fit to start.
Huge boost for Erik ten Hag, that.
Starting XI: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson
Subs: Gillespie, Lascelles, Ritchie, Targett, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Willock, Anderson
While for Newcastle, the absence of Nick Pope through suspension sees a chance handed to third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius, with Mark Gillespie on the bench.
Bruno Guimaraes comes into midfield after a three-game absence for a red card, while Allan Saint-Maximin plays on the left and Callum Wilson is up top.
Joe Willock and Alexander Isak are on the bench.
Man United fans will be incredibly relieved to see Rashford in the XI, he’s fit to start in a huge boost. Antony gets the nod on the opposite flank, with Garnacho and Sancho on the bench.
Fred and Casemiro the midfield pairing, while Dalot is preferred to Wan-Bissaka at right-back.
For Newcastle, it is indeed Karius in goal. Going to be plenty of scrutiny on him, whatever happens this afternoon.
Guimaraes returns and starts in midfield, with Joelinton also in the side and Willock on the bench. Wilson leads the line.
Erik ten Hag has urged his side to test Loris Karius as early as possible this afternoon.
“That’s an issue for them that they have to sort,” said Ten Hag. “Of course we know it. The one who is holding [the position] can influence it, and of course we have to test it, that’s quite obvious.”
On the chance of silveware, he added: “It’s a great opportunity to get the silverware in. It’s about glory and honour in football.
“We deserve to play the final and now we have a great opportunity to win the cup.
“We have to put everything in to get that cup to Manchester. You can feel that the fans are really waiting for it and we will do everything we can to give the fans their honour.”
👀 Inside our @WembleyStadium war room ⚔️#MUFC || #CarabaoCup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2023
It was Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last year in a memorable encounter.
There was plenty of drama despite it being goalless after 120 minutes. Liverpool won the shootout 11-10, with Kepa missing the decisive penalty.
Not sure there’s a single Man United or Newcastle fan wanting a lengthy penalty shootout this afternoon.
Teams are out onto the pitch, kick-off just a few minutes away.
Time for the presentation party to meet the sets of players, before the national anthem.
We’re underway at Wembley!
2 mins: Early free-kick for Newcastle and then decide to launch it into the Man United box. Too much on it though, Varane lets it run behind for a goal-kick.
Weghorst then plays a lovely ball in behind for Rashford, low cross into the box and it’s turned behind for a corner. That was really sharp.
3 mins: Man United have piled bodies right on top of Karius, trying to unsettle him right from the off.
Newcastle clear though and charge forward on the break. Plenty of bodies up on the counter, poor ball from Almiron though and the chance goes.
5 mins: Good start to this match, space is on offer for both sides. Guimaraes fires a pass in for Wilson on the edge of the box, gets it stuck under his feet though and Man Unied clear. Saint-Maximin was free to his left.
Here is Saint-Maximin, first chance to run with it. Jinks into the box, falls for Guimaraes and he ends up smashing into Fred as he tries to get a shot away. Painful one for the Man United midfielder.
7 mins: Newcastle have started brilliantly, Dalot forced to slide in to halt Saint-Maximin’s progress. Burn sends a long throw into the box, Joelinton flicks it on by Shaw is there to clear.
Man United under plenty of pressure in the early stages at Wembley.
9 mins: And again. Man United need to get a hold of Saint-Maximin, he’s getting so much joy.
In his own half this time, drifting inside and Dalot just takes him away. Not the most subtle challenge you’ll ever see… and a yellow card!
That could be a big moment, Dalot has more than 80 minutes to play while on a yellow.
12 mins: Howe has whacked a coat on top of his hoodie. Now wearing more clothes than pretty much the entire Newcastle end – fans enjoying themselves!
Man United yet to really get going, beyond that one break down the left. Martinez lumps the ball long, comfortably headed away.
13 mins: Karius called into action for the first time – comfortable save.
Messy in the Newcastle box, ball falls for Weghorst on his left foot and it’s a big chance. Scuffs the effort though, straight at Karius.
16 mins: Man United are starting to wake up, they’re growing into the match.
Dalot played in, gets to the byline and hammers the ball across the face of goal. Cleared towards Fred just inside the box, Guimaraes quickly on the scene though to prevent his fellow Brazilian getting a shot away.
18 mins: Saint-Maximin again running at Dalot, who wants no part in that this time. Luckily for him Fernandes is swiftly across to help out.
Almiron then brings it forward on the opposite flank, wide to Trippier. He tries to play it back to Almiron, who had halted his run though. Neither side fully clicking into gear up front yet.
19 mins: Antony is limping, holding his groin. Had just made a run in behind, didn’t get the ball from Casemiro, and now isn’t moving well at all.
Ten Hag not short of options – Sancho and Garnacho are among those waiting in reverse if required.
21 mins: Match has calmed down after a slightly frantic start. Don’t think that has helped Newcastle, Man United have a bit more control now.
They’ve got an even bigger problem now – Guimaraes has gone down off the ball shaking his head. Physios are on, this could be disastrous for the Magpies.
23 mins: He’s back up and continuing for now, doesn’t look particularly great. Appears to be more dazed rather than injured.
Antony is also moving a bit better now, no sign that he’s going to have to come off.
25 mins: Three shots in total so far. It’s not been the best of finals.
Better from Newcastle, as Almiron slides the ball wide to Trippier on the overlap. Stands a cross up to the back post, Schar heads over the bar under pressure from Martinez.
Clash of heads in the process, both need some treatment
28 mins: Going to be a fair amount of added-time at the end of the half, already been a few stoppage. Sir Alex Ferguson on his phone in the stands which sums things up.
Martinez being patched up, his head bandaged. Schar still receiving attention too.
30 mins: Right, we’re up and running again. Looks like Martinez has already binned off the bandage.
Schar’s face looks swollen on one side – he’s back on but keeps shaking his head and looking far from comfortable. Wouldn’t be a surprise if he came off shortly.
32 mins: BIG SAVE!
Some action, and the Newcastle fans response. Longstaff fires a low ball across the face of goal, nobody there. Comes to Saint-Maximin, beats Dalot and hammers an effort at De Gea.
Rebound falls for Guimaraes, who fires over the bar.
AND NOW MAN UNITED TAKE THE LEAD!
Free-kick out wide, after a foul on Rashford. So simple, just whipped into the box and Casemiro is there to flick a header into the far corner.
Howe will be furious.
VAR checking this. Very tight for offside.
He’s on though – Man United do take the lead. A matter of inches in that, but they don’t care.
37 mins: Newcastle pushing for an immediate response. Fred into the book, second Man United player on a yellow card now.
Martinez not far away from joining them, as he clatters through the back of Wilson. Newcastle striker less than impressed with that.
38 mins: Trippier standing over it. Man United holding a high line on the edge of their own box.
It’s slid through to Wilson instead, shot from a tight angle is blocked. Falls for Almiron and he shanks an effort wide.
BIG PROBLEMS NOW FOR NEWCASTLE!
Long ball forward, before Rashford flicks it to Weghorst. He plays it back to Rashford, drives into the box and his deflected effort somehow loops over Karius.
Nightmare for the Magpies.
42 mins: Man United fans making lots of noise now, they’re in complete control.
Newcastle need half-time, they look rattled after that awful spell. Still just about in this, but have to score the next goal.
43 mins: Huge chance.
Corner taken short by Newcastle, clipped into the box and Burn is there in the six-yard box. Heads wide under pressure from Shaw, should have done better there.
45 mins: Casemiro sees the ball out for a goal-kick, celebrates it like a goal in front of the Man United fans!
Five minutes added on, after those earlier injury stoppages.
45+2 mins: Longstaff down after a challenge from Fred, who is looking a bit nervous.
Few Newcastle players asking if that’s a second yellow card for the Man United midfielder. No, is the answer
45+4 mins: Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
Save!
Manchester United are buzzing now. Antony’s neat footwork releases his side down the left, with Wout Weghorst found in space. He cuts in and curls a shot on target that Loris Karius pushes away.
Best moment of the game for the Newcastle keeper.
Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
45+6 mins:YELLOW CARD
Joelinton does not take kindly to Antony’s flicks and tricks on the far side. He comes steaming in with a big swinging boot to smash the ball against the Man Utd winger and send him spinning to the turf.
Antony sees the funny side. Joelinton gets a booking.
Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
HALF-TIME
Manchester United in complete control.
Confirmation that Rashford will not be credited with that second goal. Botman own goal it is.
Either way, it wasn’t great goalkeeping from Karius. Went down early and that left him stranded for when the ball looped up over him.
Apart from that, he hasn’t been too busy. One good save from Weghorst the extent of his work.
Up and running at Wembley.
A couple of changes at the break. Wan-Bissaka replaces Dalot for Man United, no risks from Ten Hag there.
Brave from Newcastle, as Isak comes on for Longstaff. Two up front.
46 mins: Well that was almost game over, 20 seconds in.
Rashford driving at the defence, lays the ball across to Fred who is in space on the edge of the box. Strange effort, just passes it miles wide.
48 mins: It’s all Man United at the start of the half, Newcastle can’t get out.
Wan-Bissaka getting well forward, his run leads to the ball falling for Antony 20 yards out. On his left foot, looks to curl a finish into the far corner but it’s straight at Karius. Decent chance, considering how good he is on his left.
50 mins: Big, big opportunity for Man United!
Superb from Wan-Bissaka, slides in and wins the ball back high up the pitch. Slides it wide to Weghorst, probably the wrong option. Dutchman tries to play it back towards Rashford and it’s cut out.
Some very hopeful handball appeals are waved away.
51 mins: Wow. Isak continues to have a real impact, plays the ball wide to Saint-Maximin.
He beats his man, looks to cross the ball in but instead pokes it away with his standing leg and swings at thin air. Shambles.
54 mins: Fernandes tries his luck from miles out, shot takes a deflection and eventually referee points for a corner.
Shaw in no rush to jog over and take this. Swing it in towards the back post, Burn gets there before Rashford but can only concede another corner.
57 mins: Clumsy shove from Wan-Bissaka, who just launches himself into the back of Saint-Maximin.
Referee not interested though, it’s a Man United throw-in. Newcastle far more attacking this half, but it’s leaving them exposed.
Hasn’t let to any chances either for them.
60 mins: More injury problems for Guimaraes, looks to have turned his ankle sliding in to block Fernandes’ pass down the line. Bit of spray and he’s back up again.
Saint-Maximin can’t get his final ball right – doing everything right up until that point. A tale as old as time.
62 mins: Casemiro and Martinez in particular doing a good job of slowing things down, much to the frustration of the Newcastle fans.
One goal and this match completely changes. For now, Man United are in control.
63 mins: Saint-Maximin is maddening. Skips away from three challenges, Man United can’t get near him.
Then looks up, passes it straight to Casemiro. Man United struggling to even foul him, let alone tackle him, but the final decision is so poor.
66 mins: Continues to be the Saint-Maximin show. This time he wins a corner, good defending from Wan-Bissaka.
Corner taken short, swiftly ends up on the halfway line. Doubt that was the plan. Here comes Almiron though, inside to Isak.
Tries to poke a pass through Wilson, cleared away. Only to a Newcastle player though, Man United struggling to get out.
68 mins: This is getting very desperate from Man United. Bodies flying in everywhere.
Joelinton has an effort blocked, comes back to him and Martinez is then there to block the second shot. Newcastle piling on the pressure.
69 mins: Two Man United changes. Ten Hag usually gets these right.
Sabitzer and McTominay coming on, Fred and Weghorst coming off. Rashford will go through the middle.
72 mins: Stunning past through from Guimaraes, Trippier is in down the right.
Fired across the face of goal, Wilson lurking for a tap in but De Gea is there to palm it away. Stand down – offside flag goes up. Wouldn’t have counted.
74 mins: Rashford is free down the middle now, real threat on the counter.
And here he does, ball worked onto his right foot and hammers an effort at goal from 20 yards out. Karius parries it away.
Man United will get chances on the break, so much space.
74 mins: Rashford is free down the middle now, real threat on the counter.
And here he does, ball worked onto his right foot and hammers an effort at goal from 20 yards out. Karius parries it away.
Man United will get chances on the break, so much space.
77 mins: Doesn’t feel like this is going to happen for Newcastle, even if there is still time. The momentum has stalled.
Still though, one goal and it’s well and truly game on. Issue is Man United look just as likely, if not more so, to score next.
79 mins: Willock and Murphy on, Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin on. Last throw of the dice from Howe?
Burn launches a long throw into the box, cleared away and Man United can break. Trouble here for Newcastle.
Fernandes with the ball, looks to slide the pass through to Rashford but it’s intercepted.
81 mins: Huge appeals for a Newcastle penalty, as Schar goes down in the box under a challenge from Fernandes. Referee not interested, VAR not intervening either.
Another corner coming up, as Willock flicks the ball off Wan-Bissaka.
82 mins: Antony threatens to burst away on the counter, Murphy does well to keep up with him and win a free-kick.
That will be Antony’s final involvement of the afternoon. Sancho on for the final ten minutes or so.
84 mins: Good from Murphy at one end of the pitch, woeful at the other end.
Tight angle, has to put the ball into the box but instead blazes an effort high and wide. Ridiculous decision, allows De Gea to waste another minute.
87 mins: Another chance for Trippier to put a ball into the box, as Casemiro goes in late on Joelinton. Yellow card.
Feels like now or never for Newcastle – they need a goal in the next couple of minutes to give themselves any sort of chance.
88 mins: Cleared out to Murphy, who drives towards goal and lets fly from 25 yards out. Better effort this time, but it slices just wide with De Gea stranded.
Maguire on for Man United, replacing Rashford. Five at the back for Ten Hag’s side.
90 mins: Wilson and Martinez clash, with the Man United man as ever right up for an argument. Ticks away a few more seconds too.
Plenty of finger wagging and head shaking. All entirely pointless.
Five minutes added on.
90+3 mins: Here come Man United… great save!
Nice moment for Karius. Man United counter, Fernandes breaks forward, cuts inside and has so much time. Should pass really, goes for goal though and it’s a brilliant save.
Won’t make any difference. Newcastle fans waving their flags, still creating a wonderful atmosphere.
The first trophy of Ten Hag’s reign!
Controlled performance in the second half, having earned that two-goal lead going into the break.
Newcastle started well and had moments, but not quite good enough. Their wait goes on.
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