Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes winning the Carabao Cup would prove that the club is heading in the right direction under manager Erik ten Hag.
United, who will be looking to record a 13th successive Old Trafford victory when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their semi-final showdown on Wednesday evening, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory. Second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Fred sealed a routine win for the Reds.
Victory over Forest means that United will now face Newcastle United at Wembley at the end of this month, presenting them with the chance to end their trophy drought. The club has not won a major trophy since winning the Europa League in May 2017.
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United, however, are finally moving in the right direction again under Ten Hag, who has made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford, so much so that they're still competing in four different competitions this term. Although the progress United have made this season is clear for everyone to see, Meulensteen, who served alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, believes it is vitally important Ten Hag delivers a trophy, highlighting what it could do for the remainder of the campaign.
"As United manager, you have to pick up cups, 100 per cent," said Meulensteen, as quoted by BBC Sport. "And he says that clearly in his interviews.
"Winning this one would be important for everyone at United, but especially him as it will solidify what he is doing. They are obviously still in all the competitions but this is the closest and quickest trophy they can win and there is no better feeling than getting their hands on it.
"It will breed so much confidence and belief to carry on through the season."
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