Sunday will be a litmus test for the long-term aspirations of two Premier League clubs seemingly on the cusp of a major breakthrough.
When Manchester United take on Newcastle United in the League Cup final, it will be culmination of years of hard work and pain boiled down to one golden chance to usher in a new era.
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United will aim to end their six-year trophy drought when they face a Newcastle side rejuvenated by a Saudi-led takeover and aiming for the club's first major prize since 1969.
United haven't won a major trophy since the 2017 Europa League, with their form both at home and in Europe oscillating wildly. But after a decade of up and down results, United seemed to have turned a corner since Ten Hag's arrival from Ajax last year.
Their revival was underlined by the scintillating win over Barcelona this week. Manchester United came from behind to secure a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League after beating Barca 2-1 at Old Trafford, winning the knockout play-off tie 4-3 on aggregate.
Thursday's victory kept United competing in four competitions this season as they continue to go from strength to strength.
However, Ten Hag said their star of the season Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Sunday's final, even though the England international is hopeful to be cleared to play.
Rashford has been in red-hot form for United this season with 24 goals. No player in Europe's top-five leagues has more goals than him since the World Cup break.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have won a lot of praise for their rise to fifth place in the Premier League under Eddie Howe.
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Dan Burn celebrates after Newcastle United's 2-1 League Cup semi-final second leg win against Southampton at St James' Park on January 31, 2023. Getty -
Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal. AFP -
Newcastle United players celebrate at the final whistle. Getty -
Newcastle players celebrate making the League Cup final. AFP -
Newcastle United's Joelinton and Miguel Almiron celebrate after the match. Action Images -
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates victory after the final whistle. PA -
Sean Longstaff scores Newcastle's second goal. PA -
Sean Longstaff celebrates scoring his and Newcastle's second goal. Action Images -
Sean Longstaff celebrates with Kieran Trippier after scoring the first goal. Action Images -
Sean Longstaff celebrates after scoring first. Action Images -
Sean Longstaff celebrates putting Newcastle ahead. Action Images -
Southampton's Che Adams celebrates pulling a goal back. Reuters -
Che Adams celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe instructs his players. PA -
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson argues with Southampton's Polish defender Jan Bednarek. AFP -
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes with Kieran Trippier after being sent off. Action Images -
Bruno Guimaraes was given a red card for his tackle on Samuel Edozie. AFP -
Bruno Guimaraes looks dejected as he walks off after being sent off. Reuters -
Newcastle's new signing Anthony Gordon applauds the fans before the match. PA -
Southampton's Mohammed Salisu and Newcastle's Callum Wilson battle for the ball. PA -
Southampton manager Nathan Jones. Reuters
Their hopes could well rest on Loris Karius who may be thrust back into the spotlight nearly five years since his last appearance for an English club.
The German's errors were costly in Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final.
Karius' potential shot at redemption has come about because Newcastle's top two goalkeepers are unavailable.
Nick Pope is suspended because of a red card, and backup Martin Dubravka is ineligible because he played in the competition for United earlier this season while on loan.
Fixture
Manchester United v Newcastle United, League Cup final
Date and time
Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 8.30 pm UAE time
Venue
Wembley Stadium
How to watch in UAE?
The League Cup final will be shown live on beIN Sports.
