Nolberto Solano wants Carabao Cup success for ‘crazy’ Newcastle United supporters

Former Newcastle United winger Nolberto Solano has praised Eddie Howe as the Magpies manager looks to land the club’s first piece of domestic silverware since 1955.

The former Peru international has watched on from near and far as his old club have battled for a place in next season’s Champions League and reached their first domestic cup final since 1999. Solano experienced both of those acheivements during the first of two spells at St James Park as he became a firm fan favourite with the Gallowgate faithful.

After over a decade of limited ambition and drive under former owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle have been rejuvinated since a PIF-led consortium finally took control of the club in October 2021. One of their first major decisions was to appoint Howe as successor to Steve Bruce and the former Bournemouth manager has turned fortunes around over the last 15 months.

This Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final clash with Manchester United gives Howe a chance to secure a place in the Magpies history books as he aims to become the first manager since club legend Joe Harvey to bring major silverware back to Tyneside.

Solano, who was back in the North East recently, believes Howe and his players have the United supporters ‘going crazy’ and praised the ‘great job’ being overseen by the Magpies manager.

“It’s so far, so good,” he told Sky Sports’ Soccer AM.

“Eddie Howe is doing a great job and he is making the fans happy again. They are fighting again to be in the position to be in the top four. It’s amazing, the fans and the town are going crazy. Entertaining football, the fans like it all of the time, it’s so far and so good and I hope they can win next week and win the trophy after so many years.

“They are still there (in the top four) and if they finish in the top six, it’s a great job.”