Erik ten Hag leads Man Utd to their first trophy of the season ten months after his arrival at Old Trafford.
Manchester United defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the EFL Cup final on Sunday. A brilliant display in the first half was enough for the Red Devils to win their first trophy since 2017.
Ten Hag’s first trophy!
The two finalists started off by taking a conservative approach to the game. However, as the first period went on, Man Utd gradually established their dominance.
Newcastle created the game’s first serious chance through Allan Saint-Maximin. But it was United who broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute.
Following a free-kick from Luke Shaw, Casemiro flew past Newcastle’s defenders to smash a precise header into the far corner of the net. VAR reviewed the goal for offside but didn’t find a reason to dismiss it.
Similar to their recent games, Man Utd used their momentum to create more chances after the opener. Their pressure paid off when an own goal from Sven Botman doubled their lead in the 39th minute.
A through pass from Wout Weghorst found Marcus Rashford behind Newcastle’s backline. Botman tried to block Rashford’s strike but deflected it into his side’s net.
The goal convinced Newcastle to go on the offensive during the second period. Man Utd didn’t fight for the possession and instead increased their relentless pressing inside their own half.
The Magpies managed to find a few chances to get back into the game but couldn’t convert any of them.
United claimed their sixth EFL Cup trophy by holding on to their lead, officially starting a new era under Erik ten Hag.
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