Luke Shaw explains why the 2023 Carabao Cup final is special for him

Luke Shaw has explained that the 2023 Carabao Cup final holds a special meaning for him as it could become the first final he wins while starting in the fixture.

Luke Shaw has become an integral part of Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United team this season, forming an incredible partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the back as well as his left-sided partner, Marcus Rashford.

Shaw has had some fantastic moments this season, such as his great goal against Bournemouth. He also has some good personal moments at Wembley stadium, such as his goal in the 2020 Euros final for England at the ground.

Shaw, however, has never won a trophy while starting in the stadium and aims to change that on Sunday afternoon.

Read More: Latest team news as Manchester United face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final

The talented English fullback was overlooked in favour of Marcos Rojo in the 2017 Carabao Cup final by Jose Mourinho, as well as for the 2018 FA Cup final, which ended in a loss.

Shaw has admitted that winning the trophy while starting would mean a lot to him.

“It would mean a lot,” he told the Press Association when asked about the chance to win a first cup final as a starter. “I’ve been here a long, long time now and obviously been involved in a final where we lost.

“We’ve won a couple of trophies where I’ve played but obviously been injured in the final and we had won.

“The feelings then were still great but of course, it would mean a lot to be able to play in the final and win it after such a long time.”

One man who deserves a huge chunk of credit for getting United to the brilliant position they are in is the manager, Erik ten Hag. Around the club it feels as if he has fostered a new type of environment, which has been backed by Shaw’s comments.

“I think there’s a lot more enjoyment now back in around the place – not just on the pitch but off it,” he said.

“The staff around the training ground seem much more happier and in a much better place, and I think it shows on the pitch. I think we’ve still got a lot to improve on, but I think the signs right now are in a really good moment to show that we’re pushing in the right place.

“Of course still in four competitions and in a massive final that means a lot to us. It feels like we’re on a really good path and there’s a lot of enjoyment.

Read More: Confirmed match officials for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United

“The sort of feel-good factor’s back here and I think that’s all we really need to focus on.”

Manchester United will face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon, with the fixture set to kick off at 16:30 GMT local time.

Should the club be victorious, it would become Erik ten Hag’s first trophy as Manchester United manager, just eight months after he started the job back in July 2022.