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Manchester United are not back...yet

Manchester United are going in the right direction but there will still be some bumps in the road, suggests Pat Nevin.



Former Scotland and Chelsea player Pat Nevin joined The Football Show to discuss Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.

Manchester United beat Newcastle United comfortably in the League Cup Final.

Eddie Howe and his team were outclassed by Erik ten Hag's side. Casemiro scored the opening goal with a strong header from a set piece. Marcus Rashford continued his scoring form after that so that the team in red had a 2-0 lead before halftime.

Newcastle fashioned some chances, but they couldn't convert any and will feel they left Wembley without firing a shot.

It's the first trophy of any significance for Manchester United in a very long time. It's a clear sign that the team is moving in the right direction. But any suggestion that Manchester United are back is premature, suggests Pat Nevin.

Nevin and Joe Molloy were in agreement on Monday.

"I didn't think there was much doubt they were going to win that game," Nevin said.

"Newcastle, I think they have sunk a little bit recently, whereas United are on this fantastic run at the moment. In comparison to where Manchester City were and where Liverpool were a couple of years ago, I don't think they're there.

"They're not there but there certainly is noticeable improvement. And trustworthiness. You can actually trust them that they're going to go out and be structured and organized, play as a unit, play as a team. So it's great news for Manchester United fans."

Although Nevin thinks fans are in a rush to think that they are one of Europe's elite teams once again, they have every right to celebrate this success and the direction the team is going in. Erik ten Hag has navigated rough waters over the start of the season and is gaining some reward now during the second half of the season.

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Champions League Erik Ten Hag League Cup Manchester United Newcastle United