Carabao Cup

LEE RIDLEY is a Newcastle United fanatic — but you will probably know him as Lost Voice Guy.The stand-up comic became a huge hit and won Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.
Lee Ridley is a lifelong Newcastle supporterCredit: Getty – Contributor
Newcastle are returning to Wembley for the first time since 1999Credit: Getty
Unable to speak since being diagnosed with cerebral palsy in early childhood, Ridley uses a communication device to bring his brilliant humour to audiences.
Here, in his unique style, Ridley, 42, tells SunSport his footballing experiences, hopes and dreams as a member of the Toon Army.
NEWCASTLE UNITED has always been special to me since I saw my first match at St James’ Park in 1991.
Ossie Ardiles was the manager back then and, admittedly, we were rubbish!
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But the atmosphere was like nothing else I’ve experienced. From that day, I loved it.
When I was younger, I really wanted to play for them. Let’s be honest, I can hardly walk never mind run, so that was never going to happen.
But I was also very stubborn. If someone told me I couldn’t do something, I made it my mission to prove them wrong. To be fair, it’s that sort of attitude that got me a career in stand-up comedy.
Anyway, in my attempt to become Newcastle’s next No 9, I joined Junior Magpies. After all, I was as good at dribbling as Chris Waddle. Surely the rest of it was as easy!?
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Ridley has been a Newcastle fan ‘since they were rubbish’Credit: Instagram
But, it turned out it wasn’t to be. Mainly because I fell down and got injured more than Michael Owen.
Instead, I watched from the Leazes End, though I was never very good at the chants.
You try singing the Blaydon Races when you sound like a pound-shop Stephen Hawking.
I stood in awe as Philippe Albert scored that chip against Manchester United.
I jumped for joy as Tino Asprilla destroyed Barcelona.
And who can forget the time we scored five against the Mackems?
Of course, one thing has always been missing, though — some silverware!
So when we reached our last final, in the FA Cup against Manchester United in 1999 — so long ago that it was at the old Wembley, dial-up internet was all the rage, and Alan Shearer still had hair — I made my way to London with hope in my heart.
Looking back now, I was fooling myself. Ruud Gullit was in charge, for a start.
The man who changed his starting 11 more than I changed my underpants.
The closest we got to “sexy football” on Tyneside was when Nobby Solano took his shirt off.
The fact was we just weren’t good enough on the day.
We never really recovered from an early Teddy Sheringham goal. That was a long journey home.
But 24 years later, we’re back at Wembley again. But this time it really does feel different. I promise!
The progress the lads have made this season has left me speechless. The city is buzzing again, and it’s a delight to see.
But this is just the beginning.
Coming from a comedian who can’t even speak, trust me when I say ‘If you believe it, you can achieve it’.
Come on Newcastle, let’s give the fans what they’ve deserved for so long.
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Just don’t expect me to give a team talk as good as Eddie Howe… I’m available if you are desperate for a keeper though.
Howay the lads!
Ridley is hopeful Newcastle can actually win the final on SundayCredit: Rex Features More

LISANDRO MARTINEZ is going in for the kill at Wembley on Sunday.The Manchester United centre-back’s passion and commitment has made him a crowd favourite.
Martinez has become popular with United fans for his cut-throat defendingCredit: PA
And ahead of facing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, the Argentine — nicknamed ‘The Butcher’ — admits it is difficult to control himself sometimes.
Martinez, 25, said: “Yeah. It is hard. It is really hard. Sometimes I want to kill but you have to control as well.”
The 25-year-old Argentinian World Cup winner produced a typically full-on display in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday night. 
Now he wants to put on that same show of typical Argentinian spirit beneath the arch against the Toon.
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Martinez said: “Argentinian players are always like this, we are passionate. 
“Football for us is everything so that is why we always give everything of us.
“As a kid, I remember when I was really young, like four or five years old, I would start to fight and start to cry when I lose, so it is something we have in the blood, we have in the heart. It’s our culture.”
While he has only ever been sent off once, for two bookable offences while playing in Argentina, his nickname is not something he has ever shied away from.
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He said: “Yes, I am called the Carnicero ­— The Butcher — of ­Amsterdam. 
“We Argentines do ­everything with passion and when I go out on the pitch, I fight for every ball. If I have to step over dead bodies, I do it.”

If Martinez needed any further inspiration following his £56.7million move from Ajax last summer, it came with doubters.
At 5ft 9in he is the shortest centre-back in the Premier League and pundits were queuing up to say he would not make it in this country.
Those voices grew louder after a disastrous 4-0 defeat at Brentford in the Red Devils United’s second game of the season when he was hooked at half-time.
At the start of September, this was the view of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
Martinez has had his fair share of critics since arriving in EnglandCredit: Rex
The TV pundit, 45, said: “I’m convinced this can’t work because the size of him playing in a back four.
“Maybe he could go left-back. Maybe he could play in a back three but in a back four, he cannot play there in the Premier League.”
Martinez shrugged it all off. He said: “It’s just an opinion. I understand when people say that — they show me who they are, you know? It’s not my problem.
“In the beginning, in Argentina, it was the same. But it’s normal because in football, it’s not normal to play as a centre-back with my height. It’s not easy as well.”
Martinez always believed that if he worked on his anticipation and reading of a game it would make up for anything he lacked in his height.
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He said: “You have to be very clever on the pitch because you have to be sharp in every situation. If you’re smart you can win the duels.”
“Every day you can learn about it. After the game, you have your feelings about the game, but also you have to watch some videos if you want to improve. In my case, I do that.” More

BRUNO GUIMARAES has shared his inspirational tale of how he went from sleeping in a bed with rats to heading off to Wembley for a cup final. Newcastle play Manchester United in the Carabao Cup showpiece with the Magpies looking to end their long trophy drought.
Bruno Guimaraes’ dad was an inspiration to him and he now dons the same no.39 on his shirt that featured on his father’s taxiCredit: Twitter
The midfielder shared his incredible journey from struggling at youth level to lighting up the Premier League
The star made his name at Athletico Paranaense after initially struggling to stand outCredit: Reuters
Guimaraes’ suspension is over meaning he is good to start at Wembley on Sunday.
But it may have all gone so differently for the Brazilian who had to dig deep to achieve his dream.
The 25-year-old was turned down by the likes of Botafogo and Fluminense in his youth and lost self-belief that he could make it.
Only his hard-working taxi driver father and his supportive mother kept the midfielder believing, and his break came when he was offered a chance to move to Audax São Paulo.
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But the opportunity meant he had to leave home and live in a cramped dorm with as many as 18 other aspiring footballers.
Guimaraes recounted the moment he went looking for his mobile phone and instead found a large rat that “looked like it had been drinking protein shakes.”
He writes for the Players Tribune: “Instead of [finding] a plastic phone, I feel something … furry. But like, not cute. No, not the cute kind of furry, bro. The gross kind of f***ing furry. Then I felt a tail. 
“On my life, I felt a tail!!! Bro, if you could have heard the way I screamed…. This fat little rat is looking at me like, ‘Yo, what are you doing in my bed???’
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The incident compounded a miserable time for Guimaraes who was left thinking he was “in hell”.
He was only paid 400 Brazilian Real a month during his time away from home, which equates to just £65.
But things would turn around slowly for the star and by the time he turned 19, he would be getting regular football in Brazil. A move to Lyon beckoned before his transfer to Newcastle a year ago.
Guimaraes revealed in the tribune that he wears the “magical” number 39 on his shirt as it the same number that featured on his dad’s taxi.
Since his arrival on Tyneside, he has become a fan favourite with his work in midfield.
He has three goals and three assists in the league this season but is yet to score in the Carabao Cup.
Should he play a major role in ending Newcastle’s long trophy drought on Sunday, he will quickly be elevated into club legend territory. More

MANCHESTER UNITED could be without star forward Marcus Rashford for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle this Sunday.The England international, 25, is in sensational form and already has 24 goals this season.
Marcus Rashford came off injured towards the end of Man Utd’s win over BarcelonaCredit: PA
How Man Utd could line up without Rashford
But he was taken off in some discomfort towards the end of Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday evening.
He then shared a snap on social media of him heading down the tunnel holding his right boot.
That has sent a chill through the United faithful as they fear they could be without their in-form attacker at Wembley.
But manager Erik ten Hag does still have options if Rashford is sidelined.
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Another way Erik ten Hag could choose to line up without his star forward
The Dutch head coach, 53, is looking to win the club their first trophy in nearly six years.
And he will almost certainly start with Wout Weghorst leading the line – whether Rashford is available or not.

But the left flank is a position he will have to reconsider if Rashford cannot start.
Jadon Sancho is one option, but Bruno Fernandes could also play off that side.
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A third possible Man Utd XI without Rashford
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho will be battling it out for the right side.
And Ten Hag could even go to a 4-3-3 in the midfield if he wants to play the trio of Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred.
David de Gea will be in goal, with an expected back four of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But there is potential for change as club captain Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot push for places in the defence.
Tyrell Malacia is also an alternative to Luke Shaw at left-back.
Ten Hag is searching for his first silverware as Man Utd bossCredit: PA More

ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has revealed who he thinks will win the Carabao Cup, with a “shock” reason behind his claim.Newcastle take on Manchester United in Sunday’s final, with both clubs looking to end trophy droughts and kickstart a new era of success.
Paul Merson has revealed who he thinks will win the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Rex
The Arsenal legend believes the absence of one player will see the final swingCredit: Getty
Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd have form on their side, having won seven of their last nine games, including a 2-1 comeback victory against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s outfit have failed to win in any of their last three games.
However, form is not the key factor for Merson, rather player availability is.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained: “If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.
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“I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly.
“When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah.”
Pope became suspended for the final after receiving a straight red card for handling the ball outside of his area.
And with No2 Martin Dubravka cup-tied due to playing in the tournament for the Red Devils earlier in the season, it means Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will don the gloves for the Magpies.
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Nick Pope cast a frustrated figure after being sent off against LiverpoolCredit: PA
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Merson added: “Manchester United are going to create chances and they are going to score goals.
“Put [Marcus] Rashford down for one goal already. He is playing so well that you’ll be shocked if he doesn’t score in this game.
“United are the team to beat in the final. Newcastle United are not a free-scoring side. They don’t blow teams away.
“If they don’t score two or three goals, they are not winning this one. I just don’t see them doing that against United on Sunday.
“For me, the Magpies are desperate to win a trophy more than getting into the top four and these players can attain legendary status if they win silverware.
“Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that will happen. I’m going 2-1 to Man United.”
While Merson is backing a United victory, it may not come about with any involvement from Marcus Rashford.
The 25-year-old, who has scored 24 goals this season, is now a doubt for the final after picking up an injury in the match against Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford is now doubtful for the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

FORMER Chelsea coach Massimo Nenci has revealed keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga cried in the dressing room after refusing to be substituted during the 2019 Carabao Cup final.With the Blues and Manchester City locked in a stalemate at Wembley, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri attempted to replace Kepa with No2 shot-stopper Willy Caballero towards the end of extra-time.
Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to come off in the 2019 Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty
Kepa’s antics left manager Maurizio Sarri furious as he attempted to bring on Willy CaballeroCredit: AFP
But Kepa, who had gone down with an injury moments earlier, waved away his manager’s instructions and remained on the pitch.
Sarri was fuming with his keeper, but ended up aborting the change as Man City went on to win on penalties.
And Nenci, who was the goalkeeping coach at the time, has given his take on what happened during the bizarre event.
Speaking to The Mail, he said: “The day before, Kepa had a little bit of an injury but it wasn’t that important. Then the day after he played the match.
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“At the end of the 90 minutes he was receiving some treatment for the injury, and Antonio Rudiger said to him, ‘wait wait wait, we are in a difficult moment. We need you to stay on.’
“Kepa stayed there with the doctor, who said that his situation was good.
“But in extra-time Maurizio thought we should substitute Kepa with Caballero, because Caballero is a big penalty saver, and against City [his former club] he would have been perfect for us.
“But Kepa didn’t understand that the substitution was for tactical reasons, not because of the injury. Willy is a big, big penalty saver.”
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Revealing the aftermath of the controversial moment, Nenci went on to explain just how devastated Kepa was.
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He added: “All the team was angry in the dressing room.
“But first of all, I want to tell you that Kepa is a very, very good guy. And when he recognised his mistake he cried, he cried. He is a very good guy.
“He was saying, ‘I’m sorry mister, I’m sorry. I didn’t understand.'”
Kepa, who was signed by Sarri for £72million in 2018, publicly apologised for his actions after Chelsea’s defeat in the final.
He said: “I have thought a lot more about yesterday’s events.
“Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation.
“I will learn from this episode and will accept any punishment or discipline the club decides is appropriate.”
Four years on and Kepa is still at Chelsea, but Sarri lasted just a few months before departing Stamford Bridge.
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The Italian coach did finish on a high, winning the Europa League at the end of the campaign.
But he swiftly departed after lifting the trophy as Chelsea brought in Frank Lampard.
Massimo Nenci was the keeper coach during the 2019 Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More