Manchester United come into this game as the likely favourites, with manager Erik Ten Hag aiming to secure his first piece of silverware as the Red Devils’ manager. His side swept past Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals rather convincingly and their continued good form in the league will set them in good stead for the final in a couple of weeks.
one of the closest the Carabao Cup has seen in recent years
Newcastle United on the other hand are looking to win a major trophy for the first time since they claimed the FA Cup way back in 1969. Their takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund last season has seen a team battling relegation transform into a side who are now chasing both silverware and European football, so they will be full of confidence ahead of the match.
Manager Eddie Howe will need to work his magic yet again, this time on Wembley’s hallowed turf however, as this will be Newcastle's first time at the new version of English Football’s most iconic ground. The last time they were in a League Cup final was 1976, when Gordon Lee’s Magpies fell to Manchester City in the final, so fans remembering that match over 45 years ago will be hoping Howe’s boys can go one better this time round.
One big boost for Manchester United is that midfielder Casemiro will be available following his red card against Crystal Palace last week. The decision to not appeal his red card means that he will have finished his suspension prior to the final, allowing him to retain his role that has been so vital for Manchester United this season.
Newcastle will take some stopping however, with their defence being one of the best in the Premier League so far this season. The signings of Nick Pope and Sven Botman in the summer have proved vital for the Magpies’ defence and Che Adams' goal in the semi-final second leg against them was the first time they had conceded from open play at home since September.
If we are being honest, this final is one of the closest the Carabao Cup has seen in recent years. With both sides surprising many this season, it will be hard to separate them on the day, even if many tip Manchester United as the favourites in the build-up. Despite this, both teams will be supported by thousands on the day, with one set of these fans being in dreamland come the evening of February 26th.
