Paul Merson hits out at ‘backwards’ Newcastle United news ahead of Manchester United final

Paul Merson can’t see past anything other than a Manchester United win in this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley - because of Nick Pope’s absence for Newcastle United.

The Magpies will be without their No.1 goalkeeper following his sending off in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Pope, who has kept 16 clean sheets in all competitions, is forced to serve a one-match and is expected to be replaced by Loris Karius.

“I only really see the Carabao Cup final going one way without Nick Pope and that’s in Manchester United’s favour,” Merson said via his Daily Star column. “That’s how big he is for Newcastle.

“If I put my hand on my heart and had to name one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss for this game - it’s Pope. When you watch Marcus Rashford at the moment, he just looks like he is going to score in every football match that he plays in.

“It’s got to the stage where there is an inevitability about him hitting the back of the net, it feels like you’re already 1-0 down when going up against United. I just don’t see him not scoring a goal, if passed fit, and that’s why the goalkeeping debacle is a major worry for me.”

Merson went on to hit out at the ‘backwards rule’ which sees Pope suspended despite receiving the red card in another competition.

“I’m gutted for Pope,” Merson added. “Yes he did wrong - it was a red card - but for me, there is no way the suspension should be carried over from the Premier League. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to be honest.

“It’s such a backwards rule that really needs changing. The lad has been robbed of playing in one of the biggest games in the club’s history, in football terms it’s heartbreaking.

“Newcastle haven’t won a domestic trophy in my lifetime and Howe’s squad have a chance to secure legendary status with victory - it’s just devastating for Pope.

“Newcastle must have belief and United’s 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend showed their defence still has plenty of shaky moments.

“If it hadn’t been for David de Gea, Leicester could have been 2-0 up at Old Trafford through Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho. That said, I just can’t see past a United victory on this occasion - I fancy Erik ten Hag’s side to win the match 2-1.”