The Carabao Cup Journey

by Alex Dudley

only exemplified just how far this crop of players has come under the short tenure of ten Hag to this point, and it was an exciting journey that ended at the very top of the famous Wembley steps.

Third Round Comeback

game, but this is a new team with a contrasting direction to 12 months ago. United powered through to the fourth round with a stunning display in the final 12 minutes, with Bruno Fernandes finally putting the Red Devils ahead, before Scott McTominay ensured a place in the fourth round in the 91 st minute. United needed to ride their luck, but once the chances presented themselves, we weren’t about to let them go to waste.

When Erik ten Hag arrived at the club, he promised to lead Manchester United back to the place where they deserve to be: at the very top of English football. All fans will only be too aware of how far the standards at our great club have dropped following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, and it would be foolish to suggest that United will be back competing for the UEFA Champions League title and sustained Premier League dominance in the coming seasons.

But, ten Hag has at least done something that few Ferguson successors have managed to do: allowed the fans to dream. United’s journey in the Carabao Cup this season has

Those that have followed United for any prolonged amount of time will only be too aware that the Red Devils very rarely do things the easy way. Comebacks were a trait through the famous Ferguson teams, and that is something that appears to brushing off in this new era under ten Hag.

The first example of that came in the third round of the EFL Cup, as United twice needed to come back from behind against a spirited Aston Villa side at Old Trafford in a pulsating second half. Anthony Martial had dragged United level, before Marcus Rashford fired home a second equaliser just six minutes after the Red Devils had gone behind for a second time at the Theatre of Dreams.

In recent seasons, United may have let the opportunity slip and faded back out of the

Straightforward Home Ties

It would be fair to say that United were slightly fortunate with the draws throughout the Carabao Cup run, highlighted by the fact that they were drawn at Old Trafford against Championship and League One opposition in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively. However, a showdown against Burnley before Christmas always appeared to be an acid test, as Vincent Kompany’s side have been flying in the second tier throughout the campaign, and many of United’s top stars were playing for the club for just the first time after the World Cup break.

The Red Devils once again started quicker than their rivals, and a deserved lead was taken inside half an hour through a Christian Eriksen strike. Marcus Rashford later wrapped up the win in the second half, which would kickstart his monumental scoring run for the Red Devils in the second half of the campaign.

Defensively, United were solid throughout that tie, allowing a free-scoring Burnley just a single shot on target.

Back at Old Trafford just a few weeks later, United once again came up against EFL opposition, as Charlton Athletic were the visitors to Old Trafford. Antony produced a memorable curling effort from outside the box to put United into the lead, before Rashford scored a brace in the final four minutes of injury time to put the cherry on top of the cake.

Nottingham Forest Semi Final

It is easy to see why many United fans would have been nervy before the semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest, as a Wembley showpiece hadn’t been achieved since Jose Mourinho’s final full season in charge. However, in front of a passionate City Ground home support, United took full control of the tie inside the opening 45 minutes. Rashford scored an excellent solo goal after just six minutes, before Wout Weghorst scored his first for the Red Devils on the stroke of half time. United’s place in the final was effectively secured in the final moments, as Fernandes added an excellent third in front of a big traveling support for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag showed how much respect he was paying the cup competitions in the second leg at Old Trafford, as United went incredibly strong despite holding a 3-0 aggregate lead. Forest made it harder in the return fixture, but goals from a returning Anthony Martial and Fred wrapped up a 2-0 win.

However, the most pleasing moment for many fans was the long-awaited return of Jadon Sancho, who had been given extra time to recover by the boss. That faith looked to have paid off, as the winger was in dazzling form when he came on to the pitch, and all fans would have been delighted to see the talented Englishman back playing with a smile on his face.

Trophy Wait Ends

The Carabao Cup final between United and Newcastle at Wembley was certainly one that caught the imagination given that the Magpies are just over a year into their new ownership with Saudi Arabia. However, there was a sense that United needed to get over the line to indicate that they are truly back on the scene for the top prizes.

The best player on the pitch broke the deadlock for United after 33 minutes, as Casemiro nodded home past Loris Karius. Marcus Rashford later added a second, which was later awarded as his goal despite going down as an own goal at half time. That was the first goal that the winger had scored in a club final, and signals that a burden may have been lifted off his shoulders. In truth, Newcastle dominated the ball for much of the second half, but it was United that looked the most dangerous on the counter-attack, with both Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer missing chances.

However, the most pleasing aspect for many would have been just how resilient United were throughout the match. The experience of players such as Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Raphael Varane proved to be key, as United ended their six-year wait for a piece of silverware.

But, we will all be hoping that won’t be the only honour United get their hands on this term, as the Red Devils remain in the hunt for Europa League and FA Cup glory.