Sean Longstaff has warned that his Newcastle United side will be under 'no real pressure' to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final.
United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory after bringing back from the City Ground with them a three-goal advantage thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes. The win means Erik ten Hag's side have booked themselves a place in the final on February 26 against their Premier League rivals.
On Tuesday night the Reds learned of their potential Wembley opponents, with Newcastle United overcoming Southampton to reach their first cup final since 1999. A trip to the capital comes amid an outstanding season for the Magpies, who join United, Arsenal and Manchester City in the top-four.
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Newcastle sit above United on goal difference, the even playing field reflected by a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in October. But while Longstaff believes the pressure would be off his side, the midfielder is confident the Magpies side can come out on top.
"We get to celebrate tonight [Tuesday], 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," Longstaff told NUFC TV. "Hopefully we'll have Bruno [Guimaraes] 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."
United dominated Wednesday’s second leg and substitute Anthony Martial eventually broke the deadlock in the second half before Fred wrapped up a 2-0 win just minutes later, seeing them triumph 5-0 on aggregate.
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