Manchester United and Newcastle win to progress semifinal of EFL Cup

Newcastle secured their first qualification into the semifinals of the League Cup in 47 years when they beat Leicester City 2-0 on Tuesday in one of the EFL Cup quarter-final fixtures.

Two EFL Cup quarter-final games were played on Tuesday as Leicester City travelled to Saint James’s Park while Manchester United welcomed Charlton to Old Trafford.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United dominated their guests but could only score once in the first half. Brazilian forward Anthony scored a screamer in the 21st minute of the game to give Erik Ten Hag’s side the lead.

Despite his introduction on the hour-mark into the game, Marcus Rashford’s first goal came in the 90th minute. He was able to add another in stoppage time to take his tally to 7 goals in the last six games.

Elsewhere Newcastle United continued their impressive form as they beat Leicester City to nail to move into the semifinal of the EFL Cup for the first time in over 40 years.

England Defender Dan Burn opened the scoring and the hour mark before Joelington made it 2-0 twelve minutes later. There was an injury boost as Swedish striker Alexander Isak made a return from injury with 12 minutes to play.

Isak joined Newcastle United from Real Sociedad in a record transfer deal in the summer transfer window, but his introduction into English football has been limited due to injury.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated that his team were brilliant but explained that they still have a long way to go.

“We were excellent. Really good intensity and created a lot of chances, but the only disappointment was we didn’t score earlier. We still have a long way to go, we are just pleased to be in it, and the two-legged semifinal is something we will savour, and we will give it our best shot.” Howe said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, two more EFL Cup quarter-final fixtures will be played as Manchester City travel to Southampton while Nottingham will play Wolves.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu