Manchester United ended their six-year trophy drought with a ruthless 2-0 win against Newcastle United in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Erik ten Hag’s team was in charge by halftime thanks to a header by Casemiro and an own goal by Sven Botman. Even though Newcastle put pressure on Erik ten Hag’s team in the second half, they held strong.

United’s first trophy since 2017 when they won the League Cup and the Europa League under Jose Mourinho was just reward for a mature performance that showed how well Ten Hag has done since he came from Ajax last year.

If Ten Hag’s first season is any indication, United’s celebrations after winning their sixth League Cup could be the first of many trophy parades.

“You have to win the first one and that is what we did today,” Ten Hag said.

“We can get a lot of inspiration from this and more confidence that we can do it.

“We are still at the start of restoring Manchester United to where we belong — winning trophies.”

United are still a threat on three other fronts. They are third in the Premier League and will play West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday. In March, they will play Real Betis in the last 16 of the Europa League.

United haven’t won the Premier League since 2013, when Alex Ferguson retired. This has been one of the worst times in the club’s long history. However, they are finally coming out of it.

United came in sixth place in the Premier League last year, but Ten Hag has quickly brought them back to prominence.

Ten Hag’s first trophy with United came right after he had dinner with Ferguson and while Ferguson was watching from the stands at Wembley.

Ending United’s longest trophy drought in 40 years is no guarantee of future success, but the tough Ten Hag looks like he can do well in the bright lights of Old Trafford.

United co-chairman Avram Glazer went to his first game since his family said in November that they are thinking about selling the club. After seeing what could be the start of a golden era, he might change his mind about selling.

Even though Newcastle didn’t win their first big trophy since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, they can expect to be in more big games soon.

Photo bu EPA/NEIL HALL