The 2023 Carabao Cup Final was won by Manchester United, who defeated Newcastle United 2–0 at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023. This victory marked the end of a six-year trophy drought for the Red Devils and secured the first major piece of silverware for manager Erik ten Hag in his debut season. The match was decided by two first-half goals: a powerful header from Casemiro in the 33rd minute followed by a deflected strike credited as a Sven Botman own goal (initially involving Marcus Rashford) in the 39th minute.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore every detail of the historic 2023 final, from the tactical lineups and key match moments to the significant records broken on the day. We provide a deep dive into the road to Wembley for both clubs, the atmosphere of the first major domestic final with safe standing in decades, and a detailed breakdown of the player performances that defined the afternoon.
Match Overview and Results
The 2023 EFL Cup Final, known for sponsorship reasons as the Carabao Cup Final, took place in front of a capacity crowd of 87,306 spectators. Manchester United entered the game as slight favorites, seeking their sixth League Cup title, while Newcastle United were appearing in their first major domestic final since the 1999 FA Cup.
The contest was effectively decided during a six-minute window in the first half. After an even opening, Luke Shaw delivered a precise free-kick that found Casemiro, who expertly steered his header past Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius. Shortly after, Marcus Rashford’s shot took a significant deflection off Sven Botman, looping over the keeper to double the lead and leave the Magpies with a mountain to climb.
Historical Context and Significance
This final held immense historical weight for both clubs, representing a turning point in their respective modern eras. For Manchester United, it was the first trophy since their 2017 UEFA Europa League triumph, validating the “Ten Hag project” and restoring a winning culture at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United’s appearance signaled their return to the elite of English football following their high-profile takeover. Despite the loss, the sea of black-and-white in London showcased a rejuvenated fan base, even though the club’s wait for a major trophy—dating back to the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup—continued after this defeat.
Manchester United Starting Lineup
Erik ten Hag opted for a balanced and experienced starting XI to handle the pressure of the Wembley stage. David De Gea started in goal, eventually breaking Peter Schmeichel’s club record for clean sheets during the match. The defensive line featured Diogo Dalot, Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez, and Luke Shaw.
The midfield was anchored by the eventual Man of the Match, Casemiro, alongside Fred, providing the “Brazilian engine” that disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm. Further forward, Bruno Fernandes captained the side from the attacking midfield role, flanked by Antony on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left, with Wout Weghorst leading the line as a tactical focal point.
Newcastle United Starting Lineup
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe faced a selection crisis in goal, as first-choice Nick Pope was suspended and backup Martin Dúbravka was cup-tied. This led to Loris Karius making his competitive debut for the club in the final. The defense consisted of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn.
In midfield, Bruno Guimarães returned from suspension to start alongside Sean Longstaff and Joelinton. The attacking trio featured Miguel Almirón and Allan Saint-Maximin on the wings, supporting primary striker Callum Wilson. Despite a strong second-half push, including the introduction of Alexander Isak, the Magpies were unable to breach United’s resolute defense.
Key Tactical Match Moments
The first half was a battle of transitions, where Newcastle initially looked dangerous through Allan Saint-Maximin’s dribbling. However, Manchester United’s clinical nature from set-pieces proved the difference, as they capitalized on their first clear opportunity through Casemiro’s aerial prowess.
In the second half, Ten Hag made a decisive tactical switch at halftime, bringing on Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Diogo Dalot to neutralize the threat of Saint-Maximin. This move effectively shut down Newcastle’s primary avenue of attack, allowing United to manage the game with defensive solidity while threatening on the counter-attack through the pace of Rashford and Sancho.
Player of the Match: Casemiro
The impact of Casemiro on the 2023 final cannot be overstated, as the veteran midfielder brought his “big-game” experience from Real Madrid to the Wembley turf. Beyond scoring the opening goal, he registered high numbers in tackles, interceptions, and successful duels, acting as a human shield for the United backline.
His leadership on the pitch was evident as he constantly organized his teammates and slowed down the tempo of the game when Newcastle attempted to build momentum. His performance was widely cited by pundits as the primary reason United were able to maintain control throughout the ninety minutes.
Road to the Final: Man Utd
Manchester United’s journey to Wembley was characterized by dominant home performances at Old Trafford. They began their campaign with a 4–2 win over Aston Villa, followed by a 2–0 victory against Burnley. In the quarter-finals, they brushed aside Charlton Athletic with a 3–0 win.
The semi-final stage saw them face Nottingham Forest in a two-legged affair. United effectively ended the contest in the first leg with a 3–0 away win, following it up with a professional 2–0 victory at home. Throughout the tournament, they scored 16 goals and conceded only 2, demonstrating the defensive discipline Ten Hag had instilled.
Road to the Final: Newcastle
Newcastle United’s path was marked by narrow victories and defensive resilience. They started with a tight 2–1 win over Tranmere Rovers before needing penalties to overcome Crystal Palace after a 0–0 draw. A 1–0 win over Bournemouth in the Round of 16 set up a quarter-final clash with Leicester City, which they won 2–0.
The semi-finals pitted them against Southampton. Newcastle won both legs—1–0 away and 2–1 at home—to secure their place in the final. The second leg at St James’ Park was particularly memorable for Sean Longstaff’s brace, which sparked wild celebrations on Tyneside as fans anticipated their first trip to the new Wembley.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking back at the event or planning for future Carabao Cup finals at Wembley, several logistical factors are standard for this major trophy event.
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity).
- Kick-off Time: Traditionally 16:30 GMT on a Sunday in late February.
- Tickets: Allocated via participating clubs to season ticket holders and members; a small percentage is available via Club Wembley.
- Transport: Wembley Park (Jubilee/Metropolitan lines) and Wembley Central (Bakerloo/Overground) are the primary stations.
- What to Expect: Strict “No Street Drinking” zones around the stadium and extensive security checks (allow 60–90 mins for entry).
- Fan Zones: Each club is usually allocated a specific “Fan Zone” (East or West) outside the stadium for pre-match entertainment.
Seasonal Impact and Legacy
The 2023 final had a lasting impact on the 2022/23 Premier League season. Manchester United used the momentum to finish in the top four, while Newcastle United despite the loss, maintained their form to also secure Champions League qualification.
The introduction of safe standing at this final was a landmark moment for English football. It was the first time since the late 1980s that standing was officially permitted in a major domestic final, with nearly 1,000 fans in each end allowed to use the newly installed rail seating, a success that led to wider adoption across the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023 Carabao Cup?
Manchester United won the 2023 Carabao Cup by defeating Newcastle United 2–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Who scored the goals in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final?
The goals were scored by Casemiro in the 33rd minute and an own goal by Sven Botman in the 39th minute.
Where was the 2023 Carabao Cup Final played?
The match was played at Wembley Stadium in London, the traditional home of English domestic cup finals.
What was the attendance for the 2023 Carabao Cup Final?
Official attendance was recorded at 87,306, making it one of the highest-attended League Cup finals in the last decade.
Who was the Man of the Match in the 2023 final?
Casemiro was named the Man of the Match for his opening goal and dominant defensive display in midfield.
Why did Loris Karius play for Newcastle in the final?
Karius played because Nick Pope was suspended after receiving a red card against Liverpool, and Martin Dúbravka was cup-tied having already played for Manchester United earlier in the competition.
When did Manchester United last win a trophy before 2023?
Their previous trophy was the UEFA Europa League in May 2017, under manager José Mourinho.
How much prize money did the winner receive?
The winner of the Carabao Cup traditionally receives £100,000, though the primary value lies in the prestige and European qualification (UEFA Conference League).
Did Newcastle United qualify for Europe despite losing?
No, the Carabao Cup’s European spot goes to the winner. However, Newcastle eventually qualified for the Champions League through their high Premier League finish that season.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Carabao Cup Final remains a landmark moment in recent English football history. For Manchester United, it was the “return of the trophies,” marking a successful start to Erik ten Hag’s tenure and proving that the club could still deliver on the big stage. For Newcastle United, despite the loss, it was a profound demonstration of their rapid ascent under new ownership and a sign that the “Magpie revolution” was well underway. The match itself, defined by Casemiro’s brilliance and United’s clinical edge, set the tone for both clubs’ successful 2022/23 campaigns.
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