Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United: Player Rating as Casemiro on target as Ten Hag’s men lift EFL Cup

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Manchester United ended a six-year wait for major silverware by seeing off the challenge of Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium.

Manchester United won their first trophy under Erik ten Hag as Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 in Sunday’s EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Casemiro’s first goal was somewhat against the grain as United made a slow start, but the Red Devils took the lead before half-time as Marcus Rashford’s shot was deflected off the hapless Sean Bateman.

Newcastle made a strong start but United kept their distance and ensured the Magpies waited for a major domestic title to end their 68-year run.

For United, the first trophy since 2017 is a testament to Ten Hoag’s influence at Old Trafford, as the Old Trafford side are still in contention in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.

David de Gea was tested at the near post by Alain Saint-Maximin and Newcastle made a bright start, but United quickly took control with two goals in six minutes.

The first strike came in the 33rd minute when Casemiro nodded Luke Shaw’s free-kick into the bottom right-hand corner after a VAR check showed the Brazilian had been sidelined.

For United’s second goal, Rashford received a tight pass from Woth and Horst and the shot was saved by Batman, but the ball deflected off Magpie substitute Loris Karius.

Karius prevented further damage with a volleying save from Wegerst’s shot as Newcastle looked for a response and introduced club record signing Aleksandar Issac.

Jolinton was blocked by Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Newcastle threw players forward and De Gea blocked Kieran Trippier’s dangerous cutback.

United forced a smart stop from first Rashford and then Bruno Fernandes Karius, but it hardly mattered as the Red Devils held firm.

Man Utd player ratings

GK – David de Gea – 5/10 – He didn’t really have to do much to be honest.

RB – Diogo Dalot – 4/10 – Booked early and was subbed off at half-time.

CB – Raphael Varane – 7/10 – Yet another commanding performance.

CB – Lisandro Martinez – 7/10 – Throws himself in front of the ball as if his life depends on it. Every single football team needs a Lisandro Martinez.

LB – Luke Shaw – 7/10 – His fantastic delivery set up the opening goal.

DM – Casemiro – 8/10 – A brilliant header to give his side the lead.

DM – Fred – 7/10 – Put in a proper shift in midfield.

RM – Antony – 7/10 – Worked incredibly hard and had the beating of Dan Burn whenever he pleased.

AM – Bruno Fernandes – 6/10 – Tidy in possession and a willing runner out of it.

LM – Marcus Rashford – 7/10 – Yes of course he scored. It’s 2023 and it’s Rashford. He always scores.

ST – Wout Weghorst – 8/10 – His best performance in a Man Utd shirt to date. His hold-up play and passing were both exceptional.

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