Manchester United are getting ready for a week of huge importance as they face Barcelona in the return leg of their Europa League tie before a trip to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s men are flying in the Premier League, currently sitting fourth, four points behind Erik ten Hag’s men. They have, however, now been dealt a huge blow in their final rehearsal before the final.
Newcastle welcomed Liverpool to St. James Park earlier on Saturday evening and goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been one of the Premier League’s outstanding players this season, delivered a moment of madness and was given his marching orders.
Pope’s red card means that he will now miss next week’s final – a huge boost to United’s chances of ending their six-year wait for a trophy.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope will miss the Carabao Cup final vs. Man United after being sent off vs. Liverpool.
Martin Dubravka replaced Pope vs. #LFC, but is cup-tied for next weekend’s final having played for #MUFC in the competition during his loan spell this season.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 18, 2023
And to make matters worse for Newcastle, they will also be without Martin Dubravka, who was brought on against Liverpool to fill the void left by Pope.
Dubravka spent the first half of this season on loan at United and made two appearances for the Reds – both coming in the Carabao Cup. That means he is ineligible to play for his club at next week’s final.
With Newcastle’s two most senior goalkeepers missing the game, former Liverpool flop Loris Karius is increasingly likely to start the game.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, will be welcoming Casemiro back from a domestic three-game suspension. The Brazil international will serve the final game of his ban later this weekend.
I feel sorry for newcastle united trip to wenbeley.