Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final. Casemiro’s standout performance earned manager Erik ten Hag his first trophy in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Despite Newcastle starting the game strongly and David De Gea making an important save from Allan Saint-Maximin, it was Casemiro who broke the deadlock for Man Utd with a headed goal in the 33rd minute. The lead was then doubled just six minutes later, as Marcus Rashford’s shot deflected off Sven Botman and into his own net.
Newcastle struggled to find a way back into the game. The solid defending from Man Utd prevented Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes from creating any meaningful chances. This continued their run of poor form in front of goal, having scored only three times in their previous seven Premier League matches.
This victory marked the sixth time that Man Utd have claimed the EFL Cup and their first domestic silverware since the 2016/17 season.
For Casemiro, it was his 17th major trophy in his career. The Brazilian has five UEFA Champions League successes, three Club World Cups, and three La Liga titles.
Man Utd’s next Premier League fixture will be against Liverpool on March 5th, while Newcastle will face Manchester City the day before.
In addition to claiming the Carabao Cup, Man Utd have also secured qualification for the 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League. However, if they finish in the top four – which they are currently on track to do – they will instead qualify for the UEFA Champions League. A fifth-placed finish will earn them a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
If Man Utd do qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the Europa Conference League spot they earned through winning the Carabao Cup will be transferred to the highest-placed Premier League team who have not already qualified for a UEFA competition.
At present, that would be the team finishing in sixth place, but this could change depending on who wins the FA Cup and the UEL spot that comes with it, as well as whether a Premier League team wins a UEFA cup competition this season.
