Carabao Cup final referee and VAR announced for Manchester United vs Newcastle

David Coote will referee the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle.

Having gone without silverware for nearly six years, United will attempt to end that hoodoo at Wembley on Sunday, February 26 and the officials for that showdown have been confirmed by the relevant governing bodies. Coote will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Tim Wood.

Simon Hooper will serve as fourth official beneath the famous arch, while there was always going to be wide attention on the VAR following several glaring errors from the much-maligned system over the course of this latest Premier League matchday. Peter Bankes will be the video assistant referee on the day.

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Eddie Smart has been chosen as assistant VAR, while Nick Greenhalgh is on standby to step in for any of the serving matchday officials if required. United and Newcastle get down to business at 4.30pm a week on Sunday with the season's first major trophy up for grabs.

United booked their place in the showpiece by cruising past Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals.

Coote, from Nottinghamshire, has refereed 22 matches in all competitions this season. He has handed out 79 yellow cards and sent off two players, including Joao Felix on his Premier League debut for Chelsea when the Blues slipped to defeat against Fulham.

He has overseen two games involving United this campaign; the Premier League win over Everton in October and the Carabao Cup meeting with Villa a month later. In those games he delivered cards to Scott McTominay (twice), Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.

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