As the Carabao Cup final at Wembley approaches this Sunday, Erik ten Hag, the coach of the opposing team, has acknowledged that Newcastle can be a vexing opponent to contend with.
Manchester United Prepares for Carabao Cup Final Against Newcastle
Manchester United is gearing up for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle this coming Sunday. Fresh off their win against Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round, United manager Erik ten Hag has turned his attention to the highly anticipated final. The Dutchman gave an unusually open explanation of Newcastle in his pre-match press conference, acknowledging the challenge they pose as opponents.
Newcastle’s Impressive Performance This Season
Newcastle has enjoyed a fantastic 2022-23 campaign so far, sitting fifth in the Premier League table with a game in hand. They held the Red Devils to a goalless draw at Old Trafford earlier in the season and are one of only three sides to take points away from the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League this season.
Despite their impressive form under Eddie Howe, which sees them in a genuine fight to finish in the top four, the wheels have begun to come off somewhat in recent weeks. Newcastle is now winless in their last three games and lost at home to Liverpool in their last match, where goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off, ruling him out of the first final Newcastle has made it to since 1999.
Erik ten Hag’s Pre-Match Press Conference
Two days out from his first chance at winning silverware with United, Erik ten Hag warned his side about what to expect from their opponents. He explained that Newcastle can be an annoying team to play against, and that United needs to find a way to win. They try to annoy the opposing team, he added, which means United needs to make sure they focus on their game plan. The referee will also play a crucial role in the match, as Newcastle has the lowest effective playing time in the league and is quite successful with it. Therefore, United must aim to get speed in the game and be dependent on the refereeing as well.
The Uncertainty Around Rashford’s Availability
All eyes are now on the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. However, it is uncertain whether or not United will be without Marcus Rashford for the final, as the club is sweating over his fitness.
Rashford has struggled with a foot injury this season, and ten Hag revealed that the club is still assessing his condition. United will make a decision on his availability as late as possible, he said. The Dutchman also commented on the importance of Rashford’s potential availability, stating that Rashford is a key player for United and has played an important role in their cup runs so far this season.
The Anticipation Builds for the Carabao Cup Final
As Sunday approaches, the excitement continues to build for the upcoming Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. With both teams putting in impressive performances this season, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
United is looking to win their first trophy since 2017, while Newcastle is hoping to win their first major trophy since 1955. The Carabao Cup has traditionally been seen as a lesser trophy, but for United, winning it would represent a significant achievement and a much-needed boost to their confidence.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is playing with house money. They were not expected to make it this far in the competition, and a win would represent a significant achievement for the club and their fans. The Magpies are looking to build on their recent success under Eddie Howe and establish themselves as a top team in the Premier League.
In Conclusion
As Sunday approaches, the excitement continues to build for the upcoming Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. Erik ten Hag has warned his team about the challenge that Newcastle poses as opponents, and the importance of focusing on their game plan. With both teams putting in impressive performances this season, it’s anyone’s