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Andrew Musgrove

Bruno Guimaraes' reality, Joelinton's hidden leadership and Manchester United fans silenced

Newcastle United's wait for a trophy goes on following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final.The Magpies were outdone twice in the space of six minutes in the first half and despite their best efforts, never looked like getting back into the game.

It was a heartbreaking end to a great cup but given Newcastle's situation this time last year - just a few points above the relegation zone - it stands as a marker of just how far the club have come in such a short space of time.

Here are some moments you may have missed from the game.

Fans drown out the red half of Wembley

With 30 minutes to go before kick-off, the big screen turned to the Manchester United end of Wembley. The club's match announcer appeared on screen and began a motivational speech before reading out Erik ten Hag's starting eleven. But with the Geordie faithful already in fine voice, the announcer was no match for the Toon fans.

They sang their hearts out belting out 'Newcastle' and in terms of the battle of the fans, it was a hint of what was to come.

Calm heads after conceding

Sadly, football isn't won on how good your fans are - if that was the case, Newcastle United would arguably be the best team in the world. Newcastle were outdone by two avoidable goals, let down by sloppy defending for the first and an awkward deflection for the second.

After both, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier could be seen gesturing to the rest of their team to remain calm, pointing to their heads and urging the side not to panic. Unfortunately, Newcastle couldn't pull the game back but it reaffirms the leadership arm they've got running through this side.

Joelinton's leadership

Joelinton has been nothing short of a revelation under Eddie Howe. He started the game in good spirits, twice in the opening six minutes turning with the ball in the middle park like not a single Manchester United player was around him.

But it was off the ball which was noted. His constant organisation and shouting orders - in one instance, demanding Saint-Maximin hurried back onto the pitch after running beyond the touchline. He was also the man that went over and picked up Bruno at full-time.

Joelinton, of course, did show some frustration, needlessly pulling down Bruno Fernandes in stoppage time of the second half but he showed enough - on the biggest stage - that there's a real leader within.

Jamaal Lascelles the ball-boy

As Newcastle searched for a way back into the game, club captain Jamaal Lascelles was warming up on the touchline. Every time the ball went out he was quick to retrieve it and help get the game re-started.

The defender even seem to jump into the pit between the terrace and the touchline after the ball landed in it and no ball-boy was around to get it. Lascelles hopped over the hoardings and down a level to retrieve it.

The former Nottingham Forest man is not playing many minutes, but he still has a massive influence away from the pitch.

Alexander Isak's encouragement

Alexander Isak was unfortunate not to start in the final - coming off the bench at half-time for Sean Longstaff. He played a number 10 role and looked sharp and direct.

With the clock ticking down, he won Newcastle a corner, and as Tripper went over to set up, Isak threw his hands in the air and gestured to the Toon fans who were right in front of him.

He's done this several times in the few appearances he's had at the club, and really seems to understand the power the fanbase can have.

Wilson unaware of sub

With just a few moments remaining Elliott Anderson and Matt Ritchie were introduced to the pitch. The board went up as Callum Wilson and Manchester United defender Martinez clashed in the box. There was a little scuffle, with the Man United defender claiming a high foot from Wilson.

The verbals continued as Miguel Almiron exited the pitch for Matt Ritchie but Wilson still hadn't seen his number go up. It was down to Trippier to whistle from a distance to get his attention and allow Anderson to come on.

Bruno's apology

Bruno Guimaraes was in tears at the end of the game - a sign of just how much this game meant to the players. As the squad applauded the fans at full-time, 'BRUNO, BRUNO' sounded from the stands. The Brazilian midfielder, who picked up a knock in the game, seemed almost apologetic to the fans.

The reality is, Bruno was one of Newcastle's best players on the day and they suffered after he picked up the injury. He powered through for 20 minutes. The fans appreciate the quality and commitment of the midfielder - as well as the standard he has set for any future transfer arrivals.

This was all too clear not just on the terraces but across the weekend and on Wembley Way. All most fans want to chant was about having 'Bruno in the middle.'

READ MORE

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