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Manchester United are not Carabao Cup favourites, says Paul Parker

Published:

16:15

January 27th 2023

| Last Updated:

11:58

January 27th 2023

Dylan Penketh

Credit: IMAGO / Colorsport

Paul Parker, ex-Manchester United defender, has said that Erik ten Hag’s men are not favourites to win the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United recently took one step towards the Carabao Cup final, with Erik ten Hag overseeing a 3-0 first leg victory over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final.

Thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst, and Bruno Fernandes, United are just one game away from reaching the first final in almost four years.

However, despite United’s scintillating form since the return of domestic football, Parker has told Apostagolos that Newcastle United are favourites to lift the trophy over Manchester United.

“I think that Man United and Newcastle are going to face each other in the final and it will be a tough nut to crack for Man United,” he proclaimed.

“Man United will be made the favourites to win the Carabao Cup because of the history of the club. The media will say that Man United should win this cup but Newcastle are in fact the better team if you are looking at form.”

Newcastle are currently the only team in Europe who have kept more clean sheets than Manchester United in all competitions across Europe’s top five leagues, which is an incredibly impressive feat.

After a 0-0 draw back in November, it is clear that should both United and Newcastle progress to Wembley for the final, the affair will be a tight and tactical battle.

“Newcastle very rarely concede goals and they never lose a game,” Parker continued. “They are a very tough opponent for every team in this country.”

On the assumption that United were to secure the trophy, Parker has explained the positive benefit a piece of silverware will have on Erik ten Hag and his squad moving forwards.

“But of course, Man United are able to win the game and they should play with the strongest line-up possible,” he said. “Erik ten Hag needs this trophy as it will really help him and Man United in terms of rejuvenating this club and bring it back to life.”