Erik ten Hag, on Sunday, ended Manchester United’s trophy drought with Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) final victory over Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium.
Man United won their first trophy in nearly six years with a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at the weekend.
DAILY POST reports that a goal from Casemiro and an own-goal from Sven Botman ensured Man United defeated Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup final.
It is Man United’s first trophy since the UEFA Europa League triumph back in 2017 under former manager Jose Mourinho.
DAILY POST reports that the Carabao Cup triumph was also the first of the Ten Hag era since the Dutchman’s arrival at Old Trafford from Ajax last summer.
Speaking after winning the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag vowed to restore Man United to where it belongs, that is, winning trophies just like during legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s regime.
He said, “First, we have to win the first one [trophy] and that is what we did today,” Stanley Smart, an Abuja-based Sports journalist, told DAILY POST.
“I think we get a lot of inspiration from this and also more confidence that we can do it. We are still at the start of restoring Manchester United back to where we belong, that is, winning trophies. This is the first one.”
Is Ten Hag the right manager to fill Ferguson’s shoes at Old Trafford after winning his first trophy at the club over the weakened?
“Well, I believe Ten Hag has a plan at Man United and he is building something special at the club.”
Smart added: “he said he wants to restore Man United back to where they belong, which is winning trophies.
“I believe he is capable of doing that. With the way he has started at the club by winning a trophy in less than one year at the club, definitely, the sky is his limit.
“I believe if they can continue with this momentum, they can win more trophies this season as they are also competing in the Europa League, FA Cup, in even the Premier League.
“So, it is possible for Ten Hag to bring back the past glory of winning trophies just like Ferguson’s tenure, but the club chiefs, fans and players need to back him going forward.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson embraced Ten Hag in the tunnel to congratulate him on his first trophy as Man United manager.
Speaking afterwards, Ten Hag confirmed just how pleased Ferguson was.
“He [Sir Alex Ferguson] was there after the match. He’s a happy man tonight,” said Ten Hag.
