Manchester United: Erik ten Hag's Red Devils revival ahead of schedule after claiming EFL Cup over Newcastle

The Red Devils have their trophy, but they are hoping for more this season

The Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United couldn't be going much better with the team lifting the EFL Cup Sunday in a 2-0 win over Newcastle for their first trophy under the Dutchman and their first trophy as a club since 2017. Still in the FA Cup and Europa League, this may not be the final trophy that the Red Devils win this season but it's one that signals that United are back, earlier than expected, and that ten Hag's style is working. 

United were under pressure from Newcastle United early but David De Gea made the saves that were required until the match opened from the team earning a free kick before Luke Shaw found Casemiro for the opening goal. The Red Devils would double their advantage only six minutes later due to Marcus Rashford forcing Sven Botman into an own goal but the Casemiro goal was the momentum shift in the game. 

Casemiro, hand-picked by ten Hag, has filled a hole that United has had for years with a general at the center of the pitch and he helps fill out a cast of winners in the side along with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Three Champions League, two of which have World Cup medals, in the center of things makes it much easier for ten Hag to instill his ideals and he has taken control to bring the team to their highest levels in years, fueled by organization, intensity and belief.