How Newcastle knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup
Manchester United's turbulent season took another hit as they crashed out of the League Cup with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle. This loss, the eighth of the season across all competitions, piles further pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United's storied history and stature in English football haven't shielded them from a season filled with disappointment. Coming off a disheartening 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League, they repeated the scoreline at Old Trafford against Newcastle, leaving many questions about Ten Hag's ability to revive the club's former glory.
Newcastle seized control in the first half with goals from substitute Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall, leaving United with a mountain to climb after the break. Joe Willock added another goal an hour into the match, sealing Newcastle's triumph.
United's earlier League Cup victory in February, ending a six-year trophy drought, now feels distant as their season heads further downhill.
Throughout the game, the Dutch coach Ten Hag, who boasts three league titles with Ajax, faced mockery from Newcastle's fans, who chanted that he would be fired in the morning. While there hasn't been any official suggestion that Ten Hag's position is under threat, United's ongoing poor form is causing growing concern.
Even with a starting lineup valued at around half a billion dollars, the defeat continued, despite the notable absence of $82 million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
However, the introduction of these players in the second half failed to alter the outcome.
United struggled to make inroads during the first half and found themselves trailing in the 28th minute due to a counter-attack. An error by Alejandro Garnacho in Newcastle's half created an opportunity for Tino Livramento, who then delivered a pass to Almiron. The Paraguayan midfielder clinically fired a shot into the far corner to put Newcastle ahead.
United's woes deepened with another goal in the 36th minute, as their indecision at the back allowed Lewis Hall to volley a shot into the bottom corner after a weak clearance by Harry Maguire.
Ten Hag made halftime changes, including the removal of captain Casemiro, but it didn't prevent Newcastle from extending their lead. Joe Willock's precise low shot from the edge of the box found the net, leaving United stunned.
The defeat adds another layer of complexity to Manchester United's ongoing struggles, and questions about the direction of the club persist.
SportsLigue