Jamie Carragher makes ‘next level’ Man Utd claim as Newcastle United sent warning

Manchester United are closing in on their Carabao Cup final with Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Red Devils have had quite the week, seeing off Barcelona on Thursday night, and they now have a chance to win silverware on Sunday when they take on the Magpies. Erik ten Hag’s men are taking giant strides forward this season, and a trophy would be a clear signal of the project moving in the right direction, but Newcastle have proven themselves tricky customers so far this season.

As build-up to the clash continues, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Rashford claim

Jamie Carragher has been praising United star Marcus Rashford ahead of Sunday’s cup final.

“Step aside Erling Haaland. Marcus Rashford is currently producing performances of a complete Premier League striker,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

“If votes were being cast this week, the Manchester United attacker would surely command most support from his peers. Haaland hit the ground running after joining Manchester City and remains on course for the golden boot. Rashford’s form under Erik ten Hag is taking his game to that next level. His all-round displays this season are superior to Haaland’s because United are set up to get the most from him.”

Newcastle warning

Newcastle’s back-line has been sent a warning ahead of the big final.

Magpies legend Malcolm MacDonald told the Chronicle: “Without a doubt, Pope is a huge miss. There is no getting away from it. He has been magnificent this season. However, what has happened had happened and United have to get on with it.

“Loris Karius is very much in the spotlight and he has taken some stick for what happened in Liverpool’s Champions League final when he was at fault on two goals. However he is an experienced keeper who had done well for Liverpool before that and we have to trust him. So too must the back four. They cannot be jittery because a fourth-choice keeper is between the posts. Eddie Howe will have had Karius and his defenders working together all week to create an understanding.”