Erik ten Hag is adamant Manchester United's hectic schedule will prove to be a 'big advantage' ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash with Newcastle United. The Red Devils host Barcelona in the second leg of their blockbuster Europa League knockout tie with Barcelona just three days before the Wembley showdown with the Magpies.
Ten Hag's side are fighting on four fronts, and will played seven matches in 23 days ahead of the first domestic final of the season. Manchester United's recent form has catapulted the club into the title race, with just one defeat suffered since the World Cup break.
Newcastle have faced just three top-flight fixtures in the same timeframe, but have failed to win any of these encounters. Eddie Howe's side suffered their first league defeat since August in their latest outing against Liverpool, with Nick Pope now suspended for the final following his first-half red card.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker leads Newcastle plea for Nick Pope ban to be overturned after Liverpool 'anomaly'
The congested schedule could be seen as a boost for the Magpies, with Howe's side now facing a full week to prepare for their first Wembley final appearance in more than two decades. However, ten Hag feels the momentum generated by their recent run of results will work in the Red Devils favour.
The Manchester United boss told Sky Sports: “It’s a big advantage for us. We are used to playing big games and that will be a huge advantage for us. It's about us to keep the momentum going.”
Slip-ups by both league leaders Arsenal and defending champions Manchester City has led to suggestions Manchester United should now be considered title contenders. When asked about a title race, ten Hag answered: “I can understand the question but we go from game to game.
"The next game is the most important game. What we have to do is by the end of April, we have to put ourselves in a position where we can win trophies.”
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