Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope's suspension for Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley has given his former club an "advantage".
Pope, who has been excellent for the Magpies this season, will miss the showpiece event after being sent off during Newcastle's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at St James' Park on Saturday. The former Burnley man rushed out of his penalty area to try and beat Mohamed Salah to a long ball upfield and made the decision to handle the ball, leaving referee Anthony Taylor with no choice but to brandish a red card.
The shot-stopper, who joined the Magpies from Burnley last summer, has been outstanding between the posts this season, recording 16 clean sheets in all competitions, four of which have come in the Carabao Cup. His suspension means that former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is set to start at Wembley in his absence, given fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is cup-tied after appearing in the competition for United earlier this season.
