CARABAO CUP FINAL
Carabao Cup triumph would help put Man Utd ‘where they belong’, says Antony
Manchester United are hoping to cap their impressive first campaign under Erik ten Hag with a trophy on Sunday.
Brazilian star Antony says victory for the ‘Red Devils’ in Sunday’s Carabao/EFL Cup final would represent a crucial step towards putting the club “back where it belongs”.
United are bidding to end a six-year trophy drought when they face Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, having last lifted major silverware when they won an EFL Cup and Europa League double under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
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Erik ten Hag’s side remain in contention for four trophies in his first season at the helm, with Antony hitting the winner against Barcelona on Thursday to keep their Europa League hopes alive.
As the Red Devils turn their attentions to Sunday’s showpiece meeting with Newcastle, Antony is in no doubt as to the importance of ending their long wait for a trophy.
“When I came here, I said that Manchester United is a huge club and we’re going to put this club back where it belongs – fighting for and winning trophies,” he told the club’s website.
“We know that it’ll be a tough task, but we’re aware of how big we are as a club and how good we are.
“It’ll be a dream come true, in my first season, if we can win a trophy. I hope that I can keep at this so more glory follows.”
United have not played at Wembley since 2018′s FA Cup final defeat against Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, and Antony cannot wait to step out at the famous stadium for the first time.
“I’m really excited. I was talking to my mates at home about this, it’s going to be my first time there,” he said. “It’ll be a huge day for me, I can’t wait for this day to come around. Your first final in your first season is always going to be special.”
Sunday’s game will represent United’s 53rd at Wembley – at least 11 more than any other team, while they will bring up 10 EFL Cup final appearances, with only Liverpool (13) bettering that tally.
They will hope Newcastle’s dreadful record at the national stadium continues, with the Magpies’ eight-match losing streak at Wembley the longest in the venue’s history.