A world class stadium and loyal fanbase has been combined with an expensive Saudi Arabian takeover and it has taken just over one year for the Magpies to reach their first major domestic tournament final since 1999. The city was buzzing with anticipation and noise during the second leg of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton, with a 2-1 victory confirming progression to the final. Incidentally, Wembley will play host to the same final that took place in 1999, with Manchester United acting as opposition then, and now twenty-four years on, will do so again. The Manchester club’s 2-0 victory that day was just one of three trophies won by United that year and whilst the coveted treble is not conceivable for either side this season, both teams are playing at the highest level and with the most excitement for many years.
The semi-final triumph was very telling of the work that manager, Eddie Howe, has done since his tenure began back in November 2021
The final, being played on Sunday 26th February, could not be more evenly poised. Both sides sit on thirty-nine points, with Newcastle’s superior goal difference the only separating factor, as they have climbed to third in an incredible season so far. The semi-final triumph was very telling of the work that manager, Eddie Howe, has done since his tenure began back in November 2021. A solid 1-0 away victory at a buoyant St Mary’s Stadium was followed up by a professional 2-1 win in front of a purring Newcastle crowd. The only negative on what was a famous evening in Howe’s reign, was the sending off, of Brazilian talisman, Bruno Guimaraes, whose reckless challenge was deemed strong enough to overturn from the original yellow card given by VAR. Newcastle fans can take solace in the fact, though, that fellow central midfielders, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton, were the Magpies’ goal scorers in the semi final and the new signing of Anthony Gordon for forty-five million pounds only adds to their midfield credentials. Guimaraes’ suspension though, forces him to miss three Premier League games, thus deeming him available for the final.
Manchester United are the form team of the division at the moment, though, and their sensational up-turn in form since the winter World Cup has seen them climb closer towards the summit of the table. Newcastle’s last game against Manchester United ended as a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford back in October, but there will be no stalemate this time though, with extra-time and penalties ready and waiting to split these two footballing forces on final day. It's Newcastle’s first shot at a major trophy since 1955, and the opposition could not be sterner. It’ll be a spectacle of footballing quality and pure passion when Wembley plays host to this mouth-watering cup final.
