Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted his side "were just not clinical enough in front of goal" as they lost to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final.
Erik ten Hag's side secured a 2-0 victory over the Magpies thanks to a Casemiro header and an own goal from Sven Botman. Both of the goals came in the first half, and while Howe's men dominated possession in the opening 45 minutes, it was United who looked in control of the tie.
Newcastle pushed hard to get back into the game in the second half, but the Reds managed the game well and were able to see the game out to win their first trophy since 2017. United will now be focused on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, while also targeting Europa League and FA Cup glory.
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After the game, Magpies boss Howe spoke about his disappointment at losing the final but insisted his side had played well in the game and urged his players to be proud of their showing.
"I thought we played well today, there is always fine margins between victory and defeat," said Howe. "I thought probably the final third today, but we were disappointed with conceding from a set play, and goals change games but I thought we were in it right until the end and if we got the third goal of the game it would have made it an interesting end to the match, but it just never came for us."
When asked if he felt hard done by at half-time, he added: "Very much so, I thought we had the best chances early in the match. Overall I think we can be very proud of our performance but we were just not clinical enough in front of goal and the two goals, I am not sure whether it is a free-kick but we have to defend those situations better."
Magpies defender Dan Burn admitted that he was "gutted" after the defeat at the hands of Ten Hag's men. The defender suggested that Newcastle started the game well, but stated he was disappointed with the manner of the goals they conceded in the clash.
"Gutted," said Burn. "I thought we started really well but when you concede two goals it is really hard to get back into a game like this, but I thought we played well and didn’t take the chances that we had and they did.
"We don’t usually concede from a wide free-kick so I was disappointed with that - and then it was a deflection for the second one which was unlucky. Nothing seemed to drop for us in the box but it did for them and they won.
He continued: "United are full of players who have won trophies, international players that have won World Cups and Champions League and we want to be that sort of team as well."
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