Erik ten Hag told to start Manchester United game-changer in Carabao Cup final vs Newcastle

Former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane says Jadon Sancho deserves to start Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday.

The winger has netted in the club’s last two Old Trafford matches, his latest coming in the 3-0 win over Leicester at the weekend. He has given United a boost since his comeback with his lively play a reminder of what he has in his locker.

After making his first appearance since October in this month’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old has featured in all three of United’s most recent Premier League games and started the 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Thursday’s Europa League play-off first leg.

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With Antony missing the last four matches with a leg injury, there is an opportunity for Sancho to start at Wembley this Sunday, which would be his first in the competition all season.

Ex-striker Keane believes Sancho has earned his place in the line-up with his performance from the bench against Leicester. “It was very good from the manager bringing Jadon Sancho on,’ Keane told Sky Sports. “I thought he played great.

“I think it was Sancho that changed the game actually. His introduction certainly helped Man United. He brought a different dynamic to the game.

"He looks back to himself and he looks sharp. He played his way into the team for next week’s final with that performance.”

United will have Casemiro back for the final after serving his three-match domestic ban for his red card against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Newcastle face a goalkeeper headache following Nick Pope's suspension upon being sent off on Saturday.

With Martin Dubravka cup-tied after playing for United