As soon as the game was over at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night, there was a noticeable sense of relief throughout the red section of the stadium as Manchester United won the Carabao Cup.
Their 2-0 victory over Newcastle ended an almost six-year trophy drought at Old Trafford and marked Erik ten Hag’s triumphant debut. Being a stickler for detail, talk swiftly shifted to what else the Dutchman could accomplish with the Red Devils over the course of the remaining games of the campaign.
But before that, the team and Ten Hag’s staff celebrated their victory in the national stadium both on the field and in the locker room.
The United players sitting behind manager Ten Hag rushed onto the field as soon as the last whistle blew. The England star departed ecstatic after having his goal harshly taken away, while the Dutchman’s celebrations were a little more subdued. He punched the air before briefly embracing in-form attacker Marcus Rashford.
After a brief period of reflection and cheering on their defeated rivals Newcastle, it was United’s time to ascend the venerable steps of Wembley Stadium. Harry Maguire served as the Red Devils’ captain after being introduced during a brief cameo at the conclusion of the game.
The England defender raised the League Cup high into the air at Wembley alongside Bruno Fernandes, to loud applause from the red side of the stadium. The trophy was then hoisted by each player in turn, although Ten Hag, who was at the rear of the line, may have received the best reaction from the United supporters.