League Cup could be start of Man United-Newcastle rivalry

It’s fair to say Manchester United and Newcastle have their sights on much bigger prizes than the English League Cup.

Both teams, however, will recognize the significance of lifting the first major trophy of the season and potentially signaling the start of a new era of success for the winner.

Sunday’s final at Wembley is a meeting of two rising forces in the Premier League who will hope to be going head-to-head at the top of the sport for years to come.

Which is why a first piece of silverware could be such an essential building block.

United looks transformed under manager Erik ten Hag, who has guided the 20-time English champions to his first final at the earliest possible point after taking over at the end of last season. It’s sparked talk of an unlikely title challenge.

After six years without a trophy, United fans are desperate for something