We learnt three things as Man United ended their six-year trophy drought by defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup final. New United manager Erik ten Hag wasted no time in leading the team to silverware just 10 months after taking over.

Casemiro scored the opening goal for the Red Devils with a header and Sven Botman’s own-goal made it 2-0 which was later awarded to Marcus Rashford. This victory against Newcastle marks the first trophy for Man United since they won the EFL Cup and Europa League double under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

For the Magpies, the wait for their first major domestic trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1955 continues. The Saudi Arabian-backed club mounted a second-half fightback but was unable to find a breakthrough goal.

1. The Ten Hag Era Has Begun

Manchester United’s success this season can be attributed to a combination of factors that have aligned at the right time. The team’s recruitment has been excellent since Ten Hag took over, with players like Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez adding significant value to the team.

At the same time, existing players such as Marcus Rashford, Fred, Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have shown notable improvements, which can be attributed to effective coaching and organization under the Dutch manager.

MANCHESTER UNITED – CARABAO CUP CHAMPIONS! 🏆🔴 pic.twitter.com/OqIDCqjebV

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 26, 2023

The club has also benefited from getting rid of disruptive elements within the squad, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Dean Henderson. In addition, the conclusion of the Cristiano Ronaldo saga has ultimately worked in Manchester United’s favor. Although the manager has played a pivotal role in transforming the team, he has been happy to give credit to the players and allow them to shine.

2. Casemiro With A Man Of The Match Performance

Casemiro has proven to be an outstanding addition for the Red Devils, putting to rest any doubts that existed prior to his arrival. He is a unique and brilliant midfielder who can do it all, and despite his age and the price paid for him, he has been an absolute bargain.

In the EFL Cup final win over Newcastle, he stepped up for Man United and delivered an impressive performance. The Brazilian’s tenacity in midfield was inspiring, and he scored the opening goal for the Red Devils with a brilliant glancing header to turn the game in his side’s favor when the momentum was with the Magpies.

3. Newcastle Were Poor On The Day

Eddie Howe’s side was decent and might have pointed to a goal conceded after a narrow offside call and a heavily deflected effort. However, they produced very little even when they had nothing to lose at 2-0 down with a half to play. It was an agonizingly ordinary performance that failed to match an extraordinary occasion.

Despite a valiant effort from his team, the manager admits that key moments in the game ultimately decided the outcome. He acknowledges that they did not defend well enough on the crucial free-kick that led to a goal, and that it leaves them with a feeling of defeat. However, he remains optimistic about the future and is already looking forward to returning to a final and winning a trophy for their passionate supporters.

While Newcastle fans will not forget their first cup final experience this millennium, it may take some time for their pride at having come so far to overcome the disappointment of falling short.

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Under Ten Hag’s leadership, Manchester United have become a team that can punish opponents ruthlessly while also demonstrating doggedness, discipline, and resilience. The victory over Newcastle was a testament to this style of play, with the team dominating the game from start to finish.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was electric among United’s supporters as Bruno Fernandes lifted the trophy, with hopes high that this will be the first of many successes under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.

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