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      ‘I’m a bit worried’ – Gary Neville reveals why Jamie Carragher missed cab to Carabao Cup final in hilarious video

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has revealed the hilarious reason as to why Jamie Carragher almost MISSED the cab to the Carabao Cup final this afternoon.The two Sky Sports pundits had planned to make the journey to Wembley Stadium together ahead of the crunch clash between United and Newcastle.
      Neville went live on Instagram while waiting for CarragherCredit: Instagram @gneville2

      However, Neville was left waiting when Carragher failed to show up on time.
      The United icon took to Instagram live to share the reason behind why his on-screen partner was late.
      And it left fans in stitches.
      Neville said: “You wouldn’t ordinarily get two lives from me in the same month let alone the same day, but we have some breaking news.
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      “So, we’ve been chasing down Jamie Carragher. We were supposed to leave at 12 o’clock. We’ve got a big game today, a cup final if you didn’t already know.
      “He’s just nowhere to be seen and I start to get a bit worried. Not that I get overly concerned about Carragher!
      “I rung his phone four times and he’s not answered. I ring our producer at Sky and he says ‘go back inside and call his room.’
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      Carragher eventually showed up lateCredit: Instagram @gneville2
      “So I go back inside, call his room and there’s no answer again.
      “Anyway, all of a sudden he rings me and says: ‘alright Gar?’ in his scouse accent.
      “I say: ‘where the f**k are you?!’
      “Then he says: ‘I’m in the spa!’
      “And I’m like: ‘you’re taking the p*ss mate.’ Jamie Carragher from Bootle, he’s in the sauna, he’s in the steam room, the hot tub.
      “I don’t know whether to laugh!”
      Carragher finally made his way to the car 10 minutes later, much to the relief of Neville, who joked: “You look like a Tory politician who’s just won an election!”
      Many fans have since hailed the live video as ‘the greatest live in history’.
      While waiting for Carragher, Neville continued to film the chaotic scenes that were occurring outside his hotel as a double decker bus attempted a three-point turn in the middle of a narrow street.
      Neville filmed the chaotic scenes on the street outside his hotelCredit: Instagram @gneville2
      He was then left stunned as Floyd Mayweather walked past
      He was also left speechless as boxing legend Floyd Mayweather walked past him and into the hotel.
      Neville said: “No word of a lie, it’s Floyd Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather just walked in past my hotel.
      “He just parked his car right in the middle of the road right in the way of the Whitehall number three bus which is struggling like mad.
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      “This is the best live video you’re ever going to see!”
      Neville and Carragher are both pundits on today’s Carabao Cup coverage on Sky Sports. More

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      Marcus Rashford STARTS for Man Utd despite injury scare as Newcastle pick Karius in goal for Carabao Cup final

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been named in the Manchester United starting line-up for the Carabao Cup final.The forward was an injury doubt for the game but has been passed fit to play.
      Marcus Rashford has overcome an injury scare to start the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Loris Karius, left, has been picked ahead of Mark Gillespie, rightCredit: Getty
      Rashford raised worries about his fitness after he posted a cryptic message following the Europa League win over Barcelona.
      Erik ten Hag was also unable to confirm whether the England star would play but he has been included in United’s starting line-up.
      Newcastle have opted for debutant Loris Karius in goal in place of the suspended Nick Pope.
      The German has not played a competitive game for two years but Eddie Howe has faith he can deliver.
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      Karius’ last game for an English side came in the 2018 Champions League final when his two howlers cost Liverpool victory against Real Madrid.
      But he starts against a strong Newcastle backline that has conceded just 15 Premier League goals this season – Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.
      Rashford could be key to unlocking that defence with 16 goals in his last 18 games and he is joined by Wout Weghorst and Antony in attack.
      Antony comes into the side following his winner against Barcelona, with that only one of two changes from mid-week.
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      Diogo Dalot replaces Aaron Wan-Bissaka and right back and he is joined in defence by Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
      Casemiro and Fred start in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes, with David De Gea in goal looking to win his second Carabao Cup.
      Meanwhile Bruno Guimaraes is back from suspension and starts in midfield next to Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
      Up-front Howe has placed his trust in Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin. More

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      Does Carabao Cup final have extra-time or go straight to penalties after 90 minutes if draw?

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      THE Carabao Cup final is here!Erik Ten Hag is looking to secure silverware as Manchester United boss during his first season in the Old Trafford hot seat.
      Henderson captained Liverpool to a Carabao Cup win in 2022
      However, it’s all set up to be a fascinating tie as Newcastle are searching for their first major success in 68 years.
      But is there extra time and penalties if the match is all square after 90 minutes?
      Will the EFL Cup final go to extra-time and penalties if needed?
      If the score-line is level after 90 minutes, the match WILL go to extra-time and penalties if required.
      The match would only go straight to penalties when two teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes during the first five rounds of the competition.
      When is the Carabao Cup final?
      The Carabao Cup final 2023 takes place on Sunday, February 26.
      It kicks off at 4.30pm UK time.
      What TV channel is the Carabao Cup final on?
      The Carabao Cup final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
      What happened in the final last year?
      Liverpool won the final at Wembley after beating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties following 120 minutes of goalless action. More

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      Man Utd vs Newcastle LIVE – Carabao Cup final: Stream, TV channel as Rashford and Co look to sink Toon at Wembley

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are heading to the rebuilt Wembley for the first time TODAY as they face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final.United talisman Marcus Rashford is in a rich vein of form and will be able to scent blood a mile off if third-choice Loris Karius is not up to the task.
      However, Eddie Howe’s men will be desperate to make Newcastle’s huge fan base happy by securing the club’s first major triumph in 68 years.

      Kick-off time: 4:30pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Football
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Antony, Weghorst
      Newcastle XI: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson

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      Dutch revolution in need of silverware
      Erik ten Hag will have been made aware before his appointment how he was brought in to get the club back on track.
      This was always going to be measured in the form of trophies although, in his first season, he could expect to be given the grace of patience.
      To win the EFL Cup today would put his plan ahead of schedule but would also make a statement that his squad is ready to be a major player once again.
      Manager and squad have belief
      The Newcastle manager has spoken ahead of the showpiece game at Wembley today:

      Newcastle subs:
      29. Gillespie, 6. Lascelles, 11. Ritchie, 13. Targett, 14. Isak, 19. Manquillo, 23. Murphy, 28. Willock, 32. Anderson
      Newcastle starting XI:
      Good news for Newcastle fans with Joelinton recovering from a thigh strain to make the final and partner Bruno Guimaraes in the heart of midfield.
      18. Karius, 2. Trippier, 5. Schar, 4. Botman, 33. Burn, 36. Longstaff, 39. Guimaraes, 7. Joelinton, 10. Saint-Maximin, 24. Almiron, 9. Wilson
      Credit: @NUFC
      Man Utd subs:
      22. Heaton, 2. Lindelof, 5. Maguire, 29. Wan-Bissaka, 12. Malacia, 39. McTominay, 15. Sabitzer, 49. Garnacho, 25. Sancho
      Man Utd starting XI:
      The big news for United fans is that in-form attacker Marcus Rashford is fit for today’s final.
      1. De Gea, 20. Dalot, 19. Varane, 6. Martinez, 23. Shaw, 17. Fred, 18. Casemiro, 8. Fernandes, 21. Antony, 27. Weghorst, 10. Rashford
      Credit: @ManUtd
      A drought will be ended today
      Man Utd last won a trophy in 2017 when then manager, Jose Mourinho, lifted the Europa League for the Manchester outfit.
      Meanwhile, it has been 68 years since The Magpies last won a domestic trophy, in the guise of an FA Cup win.
      Both sets of fans are hungry for success today and will be hoping that they can put their respective drought spells behind them as they lift the EFL Cup this afternoon.
      Painting the town black and white
      Newcastle fans have arrived in droves this weekend for the cup final, craving that first domestic trophy since 1955.
      It has been a party mood all weekend as fans have travelled from as far as America to see the Toon Army at Wembley.
      This could be a day to remember if Eddie Howe and his team can produce today.
      Credit: PA
      Newcastle team talk
      All talk of the Newcastle line-up for today this week has been dominated by the red card of Nick Pope which will keep him out of today’s game.
      With Dubravka cup tied, this could lead to the reintroduction of Loris Karius to English football, having not featured on our TV screens since that infamous Champions League final.
      Anthony Gordon cannot play, having played for Everton in the earlier rounds also.
      One bit of positive news for the Geordies is that Bruno Guimaraes returns from his own suspension and will add some quality to the centre of the park for Eddie Howe.
      Emil Krafth is the only long-term injury they have to contend with after an ACL tear and The Magpies will be hoping both Joelinton and Joe Willock can shake off thigh issues to make themselves available for the showpiece event.
      Man Utd team talk
      Marcus Rashford limped out of the Red Devils’ recent European tie with Barcelona, creating panic amongst fans but they will be hoping he is able to be part of this huge clash.
      United will be without long-term absentees Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial is still not expected to be any closer to returning from his hip injury.
      Antony and Harry Maguire returned from knocks against the Spanish giants in midweek and the performance the Brazilian put in particularly could lead Erik ten Hag into considering playing him ahead of Wout Weghorst.
      Weghorst does have a physical presence which could be very useful against Newcastle but the form of Jadon Sancho and Antony may make the Dutch manager consider different options.
      Boys from Brazil prepare to battle
      Both sides boast Brazilians who could decide Sunday’s final.
      Joelinton looked an expensive flop during his early years at St James’ Park, but the move into midfield proved inspired and has led to him becoming a key cog in a side in which compatriot Bruno Guimaraes is the star.
      The popular 25-year-old’s midfield battle with international team-mate Casemiro at Wembley promises to be fascinating.

      Can Karius fill void left by Pope?
      Nick Pope has proved an inspired signing for the Magpies, but the goalkeeper will be forced to watch the final from the stands having seen red during a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
      It is a crushing blow compounded from a Newcastle perspective by the fact back-up Martin Dubravka is cup-tied following his earlier involvement in the competition with Manchester United.
      This has resulted in a likely first competitive appearance in two years for Loris Karius, perhaps best remembered for his Champions League final horror show against Real Madrid.
      Boss Howe has urged the German goalkeeper to “rewrite the story of his career”.
      Top Carabao Cup goal scorer
      Meanwhile, Manchester United last won a trophy in 2017 where Marcus Rashford led the line.
      And he’ll be hoping to add to his Carabao Cup tally alongside inspiring United to a trophy win.

      When did Newcastle last win a trophy?
      Newcastle technically won their last trophy during the 2016/17 Championship season under Spanish icon Rafael Benitez.
      And going further back, the Magpies achieved Intertoto Cup success in 2006 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968/69.
      However, none of the previous are considered as major titles meaning that Newcastle’s last official triumph was an FA Cup win in the 1954/55 season.
      The English giants beat Manchester City 3-1 at Wembley which saw them lift the iconic trophy for a sixth time.
      Last winners of the Carabao Cup
      Kepa had a howler in last season’s Carabao Cup final as it was the Chelsea goalkeeper’s missed penalty that saw Liverpool lift the trophy.
      Credit: The Times
      Credit: Getty
      Welcome to the Carabao Cup final: Man Utd vs Newcastle
      Nothing beats a good day out at Wembley – especially if the club you support ends up lifting silverware at the 90,000-seated arena.
      And two of the biggest fan bases in English football will be flooding the London streets today dreaming that their team can be successful.
      The second part of SunSport’s action-packed live coverage sees Manchester United take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
      Manchester United humiliated Nottingham Forest in their semi-final by beating the Midlands outfit 5-0 on aggregate.
      While the Magpies found their last-four encounter against Southampton a little trickier, but Eddie Howe’s men managed to continue their incredible journey this season with a 3-1 win.
      Most people have United down as the favourites following the suspension of Magpies keeper Nick Pope.
      However, Newcastle will have a lot of hunger in their stomach as they’ll be desperate to end a torrid trophy-less drought today. 
      Stay with us as coming up, we’ll have team updates, any breaking news and the starting line-ups all before kick-off at 4:30pm GMT.
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      Man Utd 2 Newcastle 0 LIVE RESULT: Ten Hag’s men beat brave Geordies to win Red Devils’ first trophy for six years

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have won their first trophy for six years after a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Casemiro put United in front with a header which was briefly reviewed by VAR before Sven Botman’s own goal made it 2-0 soon after.
      The Magpies put in a solid second half shift to get back into the game but Erik Ten Hag’s side held on.

      Kick-off time: 4:30pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Football
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Antony, Weghorst
      Newcastle XI: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson

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      Casemiro’s goal takes United to victory
      Man Utd are the Carabao Cup, EFL Cup or English League Cup winners…..depending what you want to call it.
      The trophy with somewhat of an identity crisis is heading to Manchester.
      London will be painted red this evening.
      Credit: AFP
      Red Devils get hands on silverware
      Man Utd are the EFL Cup champions.
      Erik ten Hag has won his first trophy as United manager.
      The parties can start now for everyone related to the club.
      Credit: AFP
      Defeat hurts Newcastle players
      As Eddie Howe looks to console his players, the pain of defeat after going so far in the competition, is there for all to see.
      While the fans have stayed until the end to congratulate their team on the achievement of reaching a domestic final, it is all too raw for the players.
      The manager will have to get them to remember this moment as motivation to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      The boys from Brazil
      Casemiro has contributed to a huge shift in mentality at Old Trafford since his arrival.
      His experience has been a major part of the Erik ten Hag revolution.
      The Brazilian midfielder showed that today with yet another stand-out performance for Man Utd.
      Scoring the opening goal just epitomised his performance at Wembley today.

      FT: Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      Erik ten Hag’s side have won the first silverware of his reign.
      Despite Newcastle dominating possession in the game, Man Utd made the important moments count.
      The Magpies fell at the final hurdle and continue their long wait for a trophy.

      FT: Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      The referee blows the whistle for the final time.
      Man Utd have won the EFL Cup.
      Geordie hearts have been broken once more.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      90+4. Man Utd come away on the counter attack.
      Fernandes has the ball and they have a player overload.
      The Portuguese midfielder goes for goal himself and Karius makes a save at the expense of a corner.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      90+2. Wan-Bissaka is penalised for a handball.
      Luke Shaw has been shown a yellow card for a foul.
      De Gea makes a save from Joelinton’s header.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      90. The Man Utd fans are starting to celebrate in the stands.
      It feels like their two-goal lead is too much for Newcastle to come back from.
      This result will be a harsh reminder for Eddie Howe and his team on how much more work they need in their transformation under their new owners.
      We are going to have five additional minutes added.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      88. Casemiro is booked for a late challenge on Joelinton.
      This is where they need Trippier to step up to the plate.
      All too easy for United to clear.
      Murphy shoots from distance as De Gea watches it narrowly miss his post.
      Maguire now comes on for Rashford.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      86. Newcastle win yet another corner.
      De Gea punches the in-swinging corner out.
      Eddie Howe’s side seem unable to deal with the sheer numbers of red shirts in the box.
      Credit: PA
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      84. It is all starting to look a bit desperate now for Newcastle.
      Trying to blaze shots in from ridiculous angles.
      That one from Murphy is troubling the fans more than the United goal.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      82. Time is starting to run out for The Magpies.
      As Wan-Bissaka gives away another corner, this would be a good time to get that goal.
      Trippier’s deliveries have been poor today.
      Antony is going to come off for Jadon Sancho.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      80. David De Gea would not have expected to have so little to do in this final today.
      It is mainly down to his defence and the likes of Casemiro, who put bodies between the Newcastle player in possession and the goal.
      Every time Man Utd break they look like they can hurt Newcastle.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      78. Eddie Howe is ready to make some more changes.
      It looks we are going to be seeing the introduction of Willock and Murphy.
      Saint-Maximin and Guimaraes are the players leaving the field.
      Credit: PA
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      76. Casemiro is the glue that holds this United side together.
      He is constantly communicating with players, telling them what to do or not do.
      Just going to show that you do not need a captain’s armband to inspire the team.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      74. It will take more than cans of Fosters to drown out this experience for the Newcastle faithful.
      They came to London with such hope and positivity.
      Rashford shoots from the edge of the box but Karius gets down and saves in the bottom corner of the goal.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      72. Despite bossing possession, Newcastle are still not working the Man Utd keeper at all.
      Eddie Howe looks deep in thought on the touchline, wondering what his side can do to change this game.
      Saint-Maximin and Isak are linking up well at the moment.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      70. Weghorst and Fred are the players replaced.
      Big statement from ten Hag who feels his side have already done enough to win this game.
      He is eyeing up the first trophy of his Old Trafford career.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      68. Newcastle are awarded a free kick as ten Hag looks to bring on McTominay and Sabitzer.
      Looks like the Dutchman is looking to shut up shop.
      The Magpies have two efforts at goal but Man Utd block both, protecting David De Gea’s goal.
      Credit: PA
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      66. Saint-Maximin is coming into the game more now.
      Wan-Bissaka is managing to keep him at bay, at the expense of a corner.
      Trippier loses the ball to Martinez but ten Hag’s side clear their lines.
      Botman is shown a yellow card to go with his own goal today.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      64. Man Utd are playing a lot deeper now, letting the Newcastle defenders have all the time they want on the ball.
      It is almost as if they feel they cannot hurt them.
      Almiron has the ball on the edge of the box and tries to shoot for goal but Man Utd block and clear.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      62. We have just under half an hour of this game remaining as the scoreline suggests it is seeming all too comfortable for Man Utd.
      With the two goal lead, they have breathing space between themselves and Newcastle.
      Newcastle’s season is in danger of imploding.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      60. Guimaraes looks okay to continue as the magic spray does its job once more.
      Isak is starting to come deeper looking for the ball, trying to link-up play for Eddie Howe’s team.
      With less players in the centre now, Casemiro has a free role for Erik ten Hag’s team.
      Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
      58. Saint-Maximin is struggling to have any effect on this game.
      As soon as he gets the ball, Man Utd get numbers around him, crowding him out.
      Guimaraes is down after a heavy challenge out on the touchline.
      Credit: PA
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      I’ve won four Champions League titles but winning the Carabao Cup with Man Utd could be better than any of them

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      RAPHAEL VARANE has admitted that winning the Carabao Cup with Manchester United could be more rewarding than his four Champions League wins with Real Madrid.The defender, 29, won everything there was to win during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      Varane is eager to win the Carabao Cup with Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman won the Champions League four times with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      That includes three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and four Club World Cups.
      Varane was also part of the World Cup winning France squad in 2018, so he is no stranger to a bit of silverware.
      But, the Frenchman recently admitted that earning success with United has the potential to feel more rewarding than all of that.
      He told Manchester Evening News: “Honestly, it’s better when you’re going up.
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      “When you are on the top the only thing that can change is to disappoint.
      “You can’t do anything better because you’re already there.
      “When you can grow with the club and the team, that’s a great feeling.”
      Varane also revealed that a win in the Carabao Cup final will only leave the Red Devils hungry for more success in the future.
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      He added: “I was speaking with Sergio Ramos about it in Madrid, and when we start winning, we won a lot – but before that it was the same.
      “We went years without at Madrid, it was a very long time, and when we won it changed not the mentality, but the belief. When you win you start to think ‘okay, we did it, so now we can do it again.’
      “It’s about the winning mentality and when you start to win you just want to win and nothing else.
      “It doesn’t mean that when you aren’t winning you don’t want to. But you do believe more that it is possible and sometimes you need a bit of luck as well.
      “And when you are more confident you bring the luck with you. It’s a positive cycle.”
      Man Utd will have the chance to end a six-year trophy drought this afternoon when they take on Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup. More

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      Newcastle fans including Ant and Dec flock like Magpies into Wembley ahead of Carabao cup final kick-off with Man Utd

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      THOUSANDS of excitable Newcastle United fans, including Ant and dec, have descended on London ahead of this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Geordies dressed in black and white stripes have taken over the capital in the hope their side scores its first major trophy in 54 years.
      Ant and Dec have arrived decked out in Newcastle scarvesCredit: James Curley
      ewcastle United fans arrive on Wembley Way prior to the Carabao Cup Final matchCredit: Getty
      The Carabao Cup Final takes place todayCredit: Rex
      Newcastle fans Lee Patrick, 35 and Barry Davey 39, in Leicester SquareCredit: Louis Wood
      Newcastle United fans arrive at Wembley before the matchCredit: Reuters
      A group of Magpies supporters in Trafalgar Square ahead of the big gameCredit: PA
      More Geordies getting ready for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Louis Wood
      Fans at Wembley Stadium ahead of today’s big matchCredit: Getty
      The Toon Army tied a huge flag to The Angel of the North in Gateshead yesterday morning before flocking down south.
      As the sun set, they then gathered in Trafalgar Square for an all-night party before today’s clash against Manchester United.
      Many are back again this afternoon, waving scarves and personalised banners, before the big game.
      Others are already at Wembley to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
      READ MORE CARABAO CUP
      It the team’s first appearance in the final of a key tournament since losing 2-0 to United in the 1998/99 FA Cup final.
      The 32,761 tickets allocated to the club at the 90,000-seater stadium sold out within a week and the travelling Magpies supporters have wasted no time getting acquainted with London.
      Congregating last night, they sang terrace chants, downed cans of beer and let off smoke bombs in the club’s colours.
      Even co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi got involved, posting a photo on social media of him with fellow director Jamie Reuben enjoying the festivities with their hoods up.
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      One middle-aged fan even stripped to his boxers to take a dip in one of Trafalgar Square’s two fountains.
      Other football nuts gathered around Nelson’s Column to shouts of, “Tell me ma, me ma, I won’t be home for tea, we’re going to Wembley” to the tune of 1950s hit Que Sera, Sera.
      Another chant saw an alternative rendition of gospel hymn When the Saints Go Marching In, with “Saints” replaced by “Mags”.
      Newcastle have enjoyed a rapid rise up the Premier League table since the arrival of Mr Ghodoussi, Mr Reuben and other new investors.
      Their Saudi Arabia-led consortium has funded more than £210million of new signings since taking over the club in October 2021.
      Managed by Eddie Howe, Newcastle sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur in the final Champions League qualification spot.
      Victory over Man Utd in tonight’s final would secure the club a play-off place in next season’s Europa Conference League.
      It would be the first time Newcastle have played in Europe since the 2012/13 campaign, when they reached the quarter-final stage of the Europa League.
      A win today would also be Newcastle’s first major trophy since lifting the Fairs Cup in 1969.
      Connor white, 24, 2nd Jack Pennington, 20, ready to cheer on their sideCredit: Louis Wood
      Wembley Way as fans start to arrive for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd’s biggest obstacle might be fatigue but there are three areas Ten Hag will target to win the Carabao Cup final

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      IT’s the first cup final of the season and the start of the ‘squeaky bum time’ period.  Firstly, credit to Newcastle United who have been transformed under Eddie Howe since he was appointed in November 2021.  
      Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd will contest the Carabao Cup final against NewcastleCredit: Rex
      The Red Devils faced opponents Newcastle earlier on in the season, with the game finishing 0-0 at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      They have a genuine chance of finishing in the Champions League places and compete on Sunday in their first cup final since 1999 – which incidentally was against tomorrow’s opponents Manchester United.  
      Not many finals are entertaining for the neutral, but with contrasting styles, this is unlikely to make extra-time.
      United and Newcastle have faced each other once this season at Old Trafford in the Premier League, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw – but as we saw during the midweek victory against Barcelona, this is a different Man Utd team now. 
      Such has been the progress under Erik ten Hag, his side are expected to win every game they play – but to win a trophy in his first season in charge, given how they started back in August, would be a superb and richly deserved achievement.   
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      So what might stop them other than Newcastle’s desire to win some silverware for the first time since 1955? 
      United’s biggest obstacle might be fatigue.
      A gruelling February has seen them play seven times already, the cup final against Newcastle will be their eighth match of the month.
      In comparison, Newcastle have played only three times, and have had a week to prepare for the Wembley showpiece.  
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      Marcus Rashford has five goals in the competition
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      Casemiro’s suspension and Antony’s recent injury means that they will almost certainly start and provide a “freshness” that ten Hag will welcome.
      In defence Lisandro Martinez should be partnered by multiple Champions League winner Raphael Varane, providing the Frenchman can play a second game in quick succession this week.  
      Marcus Rashford’s ‘knock’ against Barcelona means he will have a race against time to be fit, but you’d be surprised if he didn’t start given the magnitude of the match. 
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      Ten Hag praised Newcastle and Howe for how they’ve performed this season but he will want his side to take control of possession as early as possible.
      One concern in recent weeks has been the speed in which United start matches.
      Against Leeds at Old Trafford it took the home team an hour to get going, and in the Europa League tie against Barcelona on Thursday, it took until just after half-time and Fred’s goal for United to start playing.  
      Another tactical factor to keep an eye out for is tempo.
      If United play quick, one-touch football in that final third, then they’re as dangerous as anyone in Europe, and Newcastle will  find them difficult to stop.  
      The final match winning aspect of United’s team is the experience and culture Ten Hag has developed.
      Varane, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and De Gea are all tipped to start tomorrow and have all won major trophies in their career.
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      If tiredness is a factor or Newcastle start applying pressure, the minutes played and trophies these players have accumulated over the years will be very beneficial.  
      Come on United! 
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