They were in no mood to indulge Wembley with any fairy tales. Instead, Manchester United were at their ruthless and effective best as they delivered the first trophy of Erik ten Hag’s reign.
United boss Ten Hag rarely shows much emotion but the Dutchman punched the air, did a jig of delight as his players celebrated on the pitch at the final whistle. The United fans cheered so loudly when Ten Hag lifted the Carabao Cup because they can sense he is a winner destined to deliver more silverware.
In contrast, Newcastle ’s players sank to their knees in despair, the 68 year wait for a domestic trophy goes on as the hopes and dreams of the Toon Army fell flat again.
Newcastle had turned Wembley Way black and white, it felt like the whole city had decamped on London and yet even their magnificent support could carry them to glory. Incredibly, Newcastle’s fans sang loudest at the final whistle and you feel Eddie Howe’s revolution will surely mean the wait does not go on too much longer.
But the reality is that United know what it takes to win and ten Hag has embraced the club’s winning mentality and this should herald a new era of success.
Brazil midfielder Casemiro epitomised their performance because when United were under pressure - Newcastle started well and were the better team early on - he found a way to win.
Casemiro scored the first goal, ran the game and was the stand out player on the pitch. He has been arguably ten Hag’s most important signing quickly followed by Lisandro Martinez who was excellent again.
United’s big players stood up to be counted and won the first trophy in six years which, by the Red Devils’ relentless and prolific standards, probably feels just as long as Newcastle’s wait. Now, incredibly, they are still in the hunt for four trophies as United are outsiders in the title race, have got the FA Cup fifth round tie with West Ham on Wednesday, are still in the Europa League and now have more silverware in the cabinet.
It was also a reminder just how much the Carabao Cup matters and no-one should forget its importance because the big teams always take it seriously. They could have sold out Wembley three times over.
The story was set up for Newcastle and, in particular, Loris Karius who came in from the cold five years after his Champions League final nightmare with Liverpool. But the reality was that football can be a cold, harsh business and that is what United are all about.
Newcastle started well, Allen Saint-Maximin had a big chance after 31 minutes when the goal opened up for him, he should have scored but United keeper David de Gea produced a stunning reflex save.
Two minutes later, United made them pay. Luke Shaw swung in a free kick from the left, Casemiro timed his run to perfection and glanced home the opening goal.
United were ahead and never remotely looked like blowing it. United’s giant forward Wout Weghorst led the charge, Marcus Rashford raced away and his shot was deflected off Sven Botman and past Karius.
The Newcastle end fell flat. They never gave up hope and Alexander Isak gave them fresh hope after the break. But Martinez blocked, Casemiro marshalled and de Gea saved.
Newcastle have shown enough this season - and again at Wembley in patches - to show they are on the way back. But this was not their day.
If anything, United could have got more. Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were both denied by Karius who should take real pride from his performance. This was redemption of sorts.
United have now won the League Cup six times. Ten Hag insisted legacies are judged by the trophies you win. And his has started in impressive fashion.
