Eddie Howe praises Erik ten Hag for two reasons ahead of Manchester United vs Newcastle final

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Eddie Howe has praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for 'building momentum' and 'turning the team around'. Ten Hag was appointed at Old Trafford on the back of the worst season at the club for decades, but the Dutchman has enjoyed a successful first season in Manchester so far, in which he's led his side to the League Cup final.

United are suffering their worst trophy drought for over 40 years and Sunday's match against Newcastle at Wembley represents an opportunity to end that barren run, whilst it's also a chance for Ten Hag to win a trophy in his first year. ALSO READ: Barcelona announce travelling squad for Man United second leg Newcastle visited Old Trafford in October and that encounter finished as a goalless draw, but their progress has stalled since the World Cup, which means United are regarded as the favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley at the weekend.

On Monday, Howe was asked about the final and he praised what Ten Hag has achieved this season for two key reasons. "Yeah, we're playing a team very much in form," Howe said at his press conference. "They've got some very good players and their manager has done a brilliant job building momentum and turning the team around from a difficult place. "We know that we're going to have to be at our very best and we'll have to embrace the occasion and hit our top levels to win.

I always believe in being positive and optimistic, as much as I'm very driven every day, I always have to see warning signs. "I still always have a very positive outlook embracing all of that, so I believe we can win any game in the Premier League against any team, home or away, if we're at our best and I think we've proved that this season. "We've beat some very good teams and