The English soccer record champions Manchester United is in the national League Cup final. Under the eyes of newcomer Marcel Sabitzer, the team of team manager Erik ten Hag also won the semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest 2-0 (0-0) after the clear 3-0 in the first leg. Anthony Martial (73′) and Fred (76′) scored for United in front of 72,315 spectators at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils meet Newcastle United in the final on February 26 at Wembley Stadium, after beating Southampton in the semi-finals on Tuesday. It would be Manchester’s first title in six years, while the nouveau riche Saudi club from Newcastle is dreaming of winning their first national title in 68 years.
Sabitzer had been loaned out by FC Bayern to fourth-placed Premier League players the night before and sat in the stands on Wednesday. He is due to compensate for the absence of injured Danish international Christian Eriksen and could make his debut in United’s squad for Saturday’s league game against Crystal Palace.