Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle: Casemiro on target as Erik ten Hag's side seal EFL Cup triumph

Manchester United struck twice in the first half to deny Newcastle their dream of a first major trophy since 1969 as Erik ten Hag's side won the EFL Cup with a 2-0 victory at Wembley.

The opening came just after the half-hour mark when Luke Shaw's cross from the left flank was met by inspirational midfielder Casemiro whose header powered past Loris Karius and into the net.

Two minutes before Newcastle had their best chance of the game when Alain Saint-Maximin beat Diogo Dalot and then fired at goal from a narrow angle but David De Gea made himself big and blocked the shot.

Six minutes before the break Ten Hag's side doubled their lead benefitting from a little fortunes as after Wout Weghorst put through Marcus Rashford, the in-form striker's shot was going wide of the goal before it deflected off Sven Botman and flew over Karius and into the net.

The second half was fairly comfortable for the Red Devils as despite enjoying a lot of possession and territory Newcastle did not come close to getting on the scoresheet until substitute Jacob Murphy's swerving long-range shot just crept past the post with De Gea beaten.

The win is Manchester United's sixth League Cup triumph.

Sadly for the horde of Geordies travelling south, this match was as disappointing as the last three Wembley appearances in the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup finals and 2000 semi-final. We must assume the millions they are going to spend in the next few summers mean they will not wait another 23 years for a big cup game there.

The goalkeeper suspended for today's game, Nick Pope will be and Kieran Trippier will remain a fixture at right back. Bruno Guimaraes' classy presence will remain in midfield but with the exception of Alann Saint-Maximin the rest of their forwards did not suggest they are capable of producing big performances in these sort of games and are likely to see their chances dwindle as the squad gets more star-laded in the next couple of years.

With less than a season in a Manchester United shirt, he already is the most inspirational midfielder the club has had in the 18 years since Roy Keane left the club. As great as Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were for the club, they did not have the character and ability to pump up the crowd and fellow players with a roar as the Brazilian after his own challenge in the first half. As well as his defensive qualities which he showcased throughout the second half, he also is as dangerous in meeting set pieces as any midfielder in the Premier League and once more he did so when his team most needed it in this game.

Manchester United: De Gea 7; Dalot 5, Varane 7, Martinez 7, Shaw 7; Casemiro 8*, Fred 6; Antony 6, Fernandes 7, Rashford 6; Weghorst 7.

Subs: Wan-Bissaka 7, McTominay 6, Sabitzer 6, Sancho 6, Maguire 6.

Newcastle United: Karius 5; Trippier 7, Schar 6, Botman 6, Burn 6; Longstaff 6, Guimaraes 7, Joelinton 6; Almiron 6, Wilson 6, Saint-Maximin 7.

Subs: Isak 6, Murphy 7, Willock 6, Anderson 6, Ritchie 6.

31' DE GEA DENIES SAINT MAXIMIN! Longstaff's ball goes between keeper in defence but at the back post the Newcastle forward goes around Dalot and then fires at goal but the United stopper made himself big and blocked the shot.

33' GOAL FOR MAN UNITED! Casemiro heads the Red Devils in front. He meets Shaw's free kick from the left flank with a header which left Karius with no chance.

39' GOAL FOR MAN UNITED! Rashford doubles the lead. He was played through by Weghorst and Rashford's shot from the left edge of the six-yard box is deflected off Botman over Karius and into the net.

88' MURPHY SO CLOSE FROM 25 YARDS! De Gea was helplessly rooted to the spot as the substitute's effort with the outside of his boot flew just wide of his left-hand post.

90+4' FERNANDES DENIED BY KARIUS Set free on the break he turns inside a defender and had time to pick his spot but Karius parried is effort wide.