Paul Scholes has warned Newcastle United the Red Devils' win over Barcelona in the Europa League with ease the pressure on Erik ten Hag's side heading into the Carabao Cup Final. Eddie Howe's side will lock horns with Manchester United on Sunday, in a quick turnaround for the North-West side.
The Magpies on the other hand, have had a week's rest following defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. However, Howe was of the belief that the Europa League clash against Barcelona would be more of a benefit to the Red Devils, with the danger of fatiguing the Newcastle players with information too early.
He told Chronicle Live: "There is that distraction here (Wembley talk) but there's also potential, going too early, you can fatigue the players mentally. When they are sitting just waiting for the match, which can drain you of energy.
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"So we have to be careful not to fatigue them that way. In my opinion, it's trying to create a very normal routine so they are used to how we are going to prepare. Hopefully, it will save them energy."
Former Manchester United midfielder, Scholes, was of a similar belief, claiming the win over Barcelona would only help them going into the Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle this weekend.
Scholes told Sky Sports: "To go in with momentum of having beaten a team like Barcelona, and top class team with the history they have, it was important going into Sunday. It’s not just Sunday, Sunday’s a massive game for silverware which is something which this club needs, and it will take a little bit of pressure off him and the team.
"Now, every game between now and the end of the season is going to be big, and I know people will say they’re a little too far away - people say Manchester City are going to win the league, and what are they two or three points behind Manchester City? I still think they’re in with a chance, with this momentum.
"The only thing that might hurt them is the amount of games. They’ve got the League Cup final on Sunday, FA Cup midweek, Liverpool away the week after, there are some tough games, but on the other hand they’ve played Arsenal twice, played Manchester City twice, and I still think they’re in a half decent position to go for the league."
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