Rio Ferdinand is confident Manchester United will beat Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and admits there is a 'desperation' at his former club to lift the trophy. The Red Devils are the bookmakers' favourites to emerge victorious at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, and earn their first piece of silverware since 2017.
Erik ten Hag's side currently sit seven points clear of the Magpies in the Premier League table. The sides played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford in October, but the Red Devils have since embarked on an impressive run of form which has catapulted them into the title race.
Manchester United kicked off a crucial week in their campaign with a comfortable home win over Leicester on Sunday. Ten Hag's side host a heavyweight Europa League second-leg tie against Barcelona just three days' prior to the clash with Newcastle.
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Ferdinand believes this could prove to be a decisive week in his former club's season, and reckons the Carabao Cup would provide early vindication for ten Hag in his first season in charge. The BT Sport pundit also feels the absence of Nick Pope, who will be suspended after being shown a red card in the defeat to Liverpool, further tilts the odds in the Red Devils favour.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: "It could be a season-defining week. I think we'll win, I think Pope being out is a massive plus for Man Utd, it was huge.
"I think there's a desperation within the walls of Carrington and Old Trafford to get this trophy because this will signify a lot, it will be a big point in the right direction for the manager. What he's trying to implement is right, is justified with a lot of what he's putting into this team on the training pitch.
"We won against Leicester, we'll beat Newcastle and I think we'll beat Barca as well. We'll go through against Barcelona, and I think we'll win the game against Newcastle."
Ferdinand won the League Cup during his illustrious stint at Old Trafford, while also securing six Premier League titles and the Champions League crown in 2008. The former centre-back feels the significance of the upcoming final represents a 'sign of the times' with the club's recent struggles.
Ferdinand added: "When we used to play and we won the Carabao Cup, there was no celebration. It's mad. I understand the enormity of this game for Man Utd because it's a sign of the times."
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