Manchester United

Man Utd player ratings vs Newcastle: Casemiro is a big-game baller! Brazil star leads Red Devils to Carabao Cup glory

Matt O'Connor-Simpson
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Casemiro Man Utd Newcastle 2022-23
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The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners at Wembley as Erik ten Hag secured his first silverware in English football with a victory over Eddie Howe's side

A Casemiro-inspired Manchester United ended their near six-year long wait for a trophy, beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

After an even, slightly untidy start where chances were at a premium, United blew the game wide open with two quickfire goals in just six first-half minutes.

The exceptional Casemiro grabbed the opener, nodding Luke Shaw's free kick past Loris Karius. And six minutes later, Marcus Rashford burst free of the Magpies' defence and fired on goal, with an unfortunate deflection off Sven Botman taking the ball into the net.

United didn't have it all their own way after the break as, buoyed by a rampant travelling support, Newcastle dialed up the pressure. In truth though, there was never much danger of them letting their lead slip as they clinched the first major silverware of the Erik ten Hag era.

GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Wembley...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    David de Gea (7/10):

    His strong hand denied Saint-Maximin in the first half. Seemed pretty confident collecting high balls and sweeping up behind his defence.

    Diogo Dalot (4/10):

    Early, and largely unnecessary booking, had him walking a tightrope. Saint-Maximin regularly had the beating of Dalot in all honesty, and it was little surprise to see him hooked at half-time.

    Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

    Made a huge block to deny Bruno Guimaraes when Newcastle were piling on the pressure in the second half. What a superb piece of business.

    Raphael Varane (7/10):

    Passing wasn't perfect, but very little wrong with his defending.

    Luke Shaw (7/10):

    Absolutely delicious ball led to the opener. He also chipped in with some vital interceptions, showcasing his astute reading of the game.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Casemiro (8/10):

    Guided his header into the corner superbly to open the scoring. Barely did anything wrong - worth every penny United spent on him.

    Fred (6/10):

    A nice foil for his compatriot. Typically full of energy, but was overly enthusiastic in his tackles on occasion. Taken off while on a booking.

    Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

    Worked really hard off the ball but wasn't particularly creative. Not much he tried came off and made a hash of two, potentially game-ending passes late on, before squandering a chance to make it three himself.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Antony (6/10):

    Rarely gave the ball away in the final third. Nothing too magical, though he did wind up his opponents.

    Wout Weghorst (7/10):

    Ran the channels like an animal all game. Denied by a wonderful Karius save just before the break and completed a nice lay-off just before the second goal.

    Marcus Rashford (7/10):

    United were looking to release him at every opportunity and he eventually forced a goal when his shot deflected off Botman and over Karius. His astounding recent form continues.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7/10):

    Solid after replacing Dalot. Will be interesting to see if he can become first choice after improving so drastically under Ten Hag.

    Marcel Sabitzer (6/10):

    Kept the pressure on Newcastle as they searched for an equaliser.

    Scott McTominay (6/10):

    His height was helpful in the penalty box.

    Jadon Sancho (N/A):

    Not enough time to make an impact.

    Harry Maguire (N/A):

    Nice of Ten Hag to give his captain a run out in the closing stages.

    Erik ten Hag (9/10):

    Told his side to release Rashford early in the first half - to decent effect. Smartly removed any players on a booking from the fray. The first United manager to lift a trophy since Jose Mourinho.