Manchester United and Newcastle both have equal chances of winning the Carabao Cup final, BUT

This is the question that's better asked by football lovers ahead of the clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final showdown at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
 

The two sides are looking to end their trophy drought, if you don't consider the English Championship title plunder by the Mapgies in 2017 then the last time they won major trophy was as far back as 1955, when they coveted the FA Cup title. 
 

Manchester United's last trophy exploits was under Jose Mourinho, when they won the Carabao Cup and Europa League in 2017, they also coveted the Community shield at the start of that season if it's considered a major trophy. However, the Red Devils embacking on a six year trophy drought wasn't really in the picture after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
 
Even the dismissal campaign under David Moyes saw them beat Swansea 2-0 to capture the community shield at the start of the season before everything went south under the Scot, His replacement Van Gaal managed to bring in the FA Cup after beating Crystal Palace in the final, before he was sacked the following day by the club's management.
 
Jose Mourinho despite low par performances ensured the Red Devils finished his maiden season as manager with three trophies before he lost control of the dressing room and got relived of his position following a 3-1 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League, a loss which was part of the strings of poor results that campaign.
 
Ole Solskjaer took over as a care taker before he was appointed permanent manager, the Red Devils were unlucky under the Norwegian as they lost two cup finals under the former Manchester United's striker plus a few semi finals defeats. Ralf Ragnick's reign as Interim manager has not much positives to talk about before Erik Ten Hag's appointment.
 
The former Ajax boss has got the Red Devils firing at all cylinders although it wasn't without ups and downs, but they have sent a statement with how consistent they have been this campaign, especially since after the World Cup.
 
The level of determination and resilience shown by the players showed how much impact the manager has made on the team, reports from within the club probes the revival isn't only on the pitch and amongst the players but also amongst the club's staffs behind the scene.
 
 A recent visit paid by former Manchester United's players Robin Van Persie and Rio Ferdinand on separate occasions, detailed how much transformation the club has undergone under Erik Ten Hag's management.
 
Both legends emphasized on the positive atmosphere around the club's camp and so much anticipation of what's to come.
 
The manager Erik Ten Hag has however stated his side will need to be in the right mentality to win their first trophy on Sunday. They have the feel good factor ahead of the final following a famous victory over Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday night, but the manager suggests the right mentality and the following right principles will play a major role in winning the Carabao Cup on Sunday. 
 
"In big games, it's often about mentality and being right in every moment of the game; be ready for it because moments will change the game," he explained during his post match interview on Thursday night.
 
Manchester United could be brewing with confidence heading into the game on Sunday not because of their recent exploits against one of the best team across Europe this campaign but because they have turned their season around, getting reults with swagger on the pitch. They also have legs available to be picked for the final on Sunday. 
 
Although, star forward Marcus Rashford is a doubt while Anthony Martial has been ruled out but it's good to see the likes of Antony, Casemiro and Harry Maguire available which gives theanager a wider options to choose from when naming his starting lineup. He will be able to name a stronger one and also have relieable help from the bench if the need arises.
 
However, it isn't going to be so that easy for the Manchester based club, as the Tynesiders are one of the opponents to have picked points at Old Trafford this season despite the Red Devils terrific home form this campaign. Back in November, the two sides played a stalemate when the faced off in the premier league on Old Trafford's turf.
 
Eddi Howe's men have also had a splendid season although, they have seen a drop in tempo recently and post to Liverpool for the second time this season, they have also been recording consecutive draws in their games since the restart of domestic football.
 
They may also have the challenge of deciding who starts between the sticks on Sunday as their first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope is suspended for the clash while Dubravka is cup tied, which leaves them with their third choice goalkeeper Loris Klarius. The former Liverpool man is still trying to banish the memories of the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid, which has been the start of his career's nosedive, but he will have a shot at redemption on Sunday.
 
It's promised to be a cagey encounter for both sides, with Maximi and Joelinton all passing fit for Newcastle United.
 
Erik Ten Hag has got the Red Devils in the best shape they could afford to be as it stands, and they have so far done well in the period where the piled-up fixtures would define their season. Sunday could be a turning point and the start of a new beginning, but Newcastle United is another challenge they will need to overcome to achieve their goal.

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