Manchester United vs Newcastle United – Sunday, 4:30pm
Manchester United head to Wembley on Sunday for the Carabao Cup final looking to end their worst trophy drought in 40 years.
It’s six years since United triumphed in the 2017 Europa League, while Newcastle have not won anything since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
In that context the Wembley spectacle should be a special occasion for the fans of both teams and the sides are pretty well matched, although Manchester United will be riding the crest of a wave after knocking Barcelona out of the Europa League on Thursday.
Just eight points separate them in the Premier League, with Newcastle having a game in hand and the October Old Trafford draw was a tight affair.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for United that day, but he has since departed and things have gone from strength to strength.
Marcus Rashford is in a remarkable run of scoring form. He has netted 14 goals in 24 league matches to push United towards a title tilt, and fired home another 10 in 13 cup matches.
It’s Rashford’s form which has driven United to eight wins in nine Premier League games and they are slightly odds on to win in 90 minutes. And five of those victories have provided clean sheets.
Erik ten Hag has found a back four to rely on with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming a balanced defensive partnership.
Ten Hag, who was pictured meeting Sir Alex Ferguson this week, also looks to have attacking options at his disposal.
The Dutchman has instilled discipline and a work ethic at Old Trafford and he appears to have got the right balance between attack and defence.
His side are also brimming with confidence, especially after beating Barcelona, and have a number of factors pointing in their favour.
The only major worry for Ten Hag will involve possible team rotation, as his side have played six games in February. Newcastle, meanwhile, have played just three times and have had over a week to prepare since the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
But United have options, are in form and have England star Rashford to spearhead their attack.
Unfortunately for Newcastle their form has fallen off a cliff of late.
Eddie Howe’s men were flying entering the Christmas period, but results have dropped off.
They have gone four Premier League games without a win and that has included disappointing draws with West Ham and Bournemouth.
Howe also has injury concerns with Joelinton and Joe Willock struggling, although the former should be fit.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also suspended, while Martin Dubravka is cup-tied, leaving former Liverpool stooge Loris Karius to take his place in goal.
Karius has not kicked a ball all season. In fact his last competitive game was 12 months ago for Union Berlin.
The 29-year-old’s last cup final experience was the fateful Champions League final in 2018. The then Liverpool keeper was deemed at fault for two of the goals as Real Madrid won 3-1 – it was a performance which sealed his Anfield exit.
It’s a big ask for Karius to come in and replace Pope in a final, but Newcastle have no option. And it will make it even more difficult in light of Newcastle’s poor run of late.
Newcastle will have to overcome a number of hurdles and it might just be too much, with all the signs pointing to a Manchester United win.
Key stats
- The last two meetings between these sides have ended in draws
- Man Utd have won eight of their last nine PL games
- Man Utd have only lost twice to Newcastle in 16 games in all competitions
- Newcastle are without a win in their last four PL games
Suggested bets
- Manchester United to beat Newcastle in 90 mins – 6/5
- Manchester United vs Newcastle BTTS, no – 20/21
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
