Aaron Wan-Bissaka has surprised Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

If there was an overarching theme to Manchester United's victory in the Carabao Cup it was that of rejuvenation.

Erik ten Hag signalled the next stage of his rebuild with a trophy, Marcus Rashford continued his scintillating scoring form, and United reiterated why they are so confident about their future after so many years stuck in the past.

It was summer signing Casemiro who made the biggest impact on the day, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka's impact can't be understated after a fine second-half display.

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The biggest compliment is that there was a genuine element of surprise to see him dropped from the start, though by full-time he had sent the clearest message yet about why he deserved to play from the beginning.

The 25-year-old was introduced at half-time with Diogo Dalot on a booking and was tasked with the unenviable job of subduing the lively Allan Saint-Maximin.

Wan-Bissaka was perfectly suited to the role and relished the chance to frustrate the forward, always appearing to have an answer for whatever was thrown at him.

Despite only coming on at half-time, the United defender made the most tackles of any player during the match. His seven successful tackles were the most in a League Cup final since N'Golo Kanté for Chelsea in 2019, though that was over 120 minutes.

On another day, Newcastle might well have found a way back into the game, but there was never any chance of breaking down the resilient right-back. Wan-Bissaka was so well-disciplined defensively that Saint-Maximin became visibly frustrated at the lack of progress he was making down the left, as his artistry was unable to unlock the most stubborn of locks.

It was the latest in a string of