02 February 2023 , 11:57
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Erik ten Hag vowed to end Manchester United's trophy drought after leading his side to the EFL Cup final.
United face Newcastle in the final at Wembley on February 26, with Ten Hag urging his players to bring the trophy back to Old Trafford for the fans. The last trophy United won was the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, with Ten Hag determined to end that wait in his first season in charge.
“It's good to reach the final, of course, but it's not about reaching the final,” said Ten Hag. “It's about winning it. It's going to be tough, because we face a great opponent in Newcastle.
“It has to be a huge motivation to us in the first place and we obviously want to bring that cup home to the fans.”
United host Barcelona in a Europa League play-off three days before the EFL Cup final with Ten Hag admitting Newcastle – who have a clear week – will have an advantage.
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“We are aware of it but I've handled this situation before, when I had to play a cup game after we played in Europe with Ajax, so I know have to deal with it,” said Ten Hag. “Newcastle have an advantage but it is about attitude and mentality. When the players are fit, we can do it.”
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Erik ten Hag will manage Manchester United in a cup final as the Red Devils look for their first trophy since 2017 (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Goals from Anthony Martial and Fred sealed a 2-0 win on the night and a 5-0 aggregate victory over Nottingham Forest. But the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for United winger Jadon Sancho, who made his return after three months out.
Ten Hag said: “I think the reception from the fans to him was great and that will give Jadon even more of a push to continue in the way he is now acting.”
United winger Alejandro Garnacho was subbed straight after an altercation with Forest's Brennan Johnson in the second-half. Forest boss Steve Cooper was asked what happened and said: “I don't want to comment on that.”