Sean Longstaff insists Newcastle United will be under no 'real pressure' in a potential Carabao Cup final showdown with Manchester United. The Magpies academy graduate scored twice as Eddie Howe's side sealed a 3-1 aggregate success with a home victory over Southampton on Tuesday night.
Newcastle held a three-goal advantage after only 30 minutes, with Joelinton's strike at St Mary's quickly added to by a brace from Longstaff. Che Adams capitalised on a poor pass to give the Saints hope before the break, but the Magpies held firm in the second half despite a late red card for Bruno Guimaraes following a VAR review.
Manchester United will be the likely opponents for Newcastle at Wembley, with Erik ten Hag's side holding a comfortable aggregate lead ahead of the second lead. The Red Devils sealed a 3-0 victory in the away leg, and host Nottingham Forest in the return tie on Wednesday night.
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Newcastle currently sit above their top-four rivals in the Premier League table on goal difference, and played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford earlier this season. However, while Longstaff believes the Magpies will be considered underdogs for the final, the midfielder believes the confidence in the squad means they can 'achieve anything'.
He told NUFC TV: "Absolutely. We get to celebrate tonight, it's been a long time since we've got to a final but I think ultimately if you don't win it, it's pointless getting there. Hopefully we'll have Bruno back by then as well, and we'll be at full strength going into the game and you never know what can happen going into a final.
"Obviously, realistically they're expected to beat us if it is Man Utd, it looks that way. There's no real pressure on us to go there and win. We'll enjoy the occasion, and we're a quietly confident group so we know we can achieve anything when we're all together."
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