Manchester United power rankings: Marcus Rashford top after Carabao Cup win as key spine emerges

Manchester United have won the season's first piece of silverware after what proved in the end to be a comfortable victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

It is a first United trophy for manager Erik ten Hag and many of his players, and the club's first in six years since the Jose Mourinho era. Sunday's Carabao Cup final was the 40th match of the season across all competitions, and with a spot in the Europa League last 16 assured after beating Barcelona last week, and the pursuit of the Premier League top four looking healthy, now seems a good opportunity to take stock of the squad. We've ranked the team's top 10 players in terms of their importance to Ten Hag.

10. Antony

Stats: 25 appearances, six goals, one assist

Since returning from injury in midweek, Antony has put in two promising performances to provide plenty of food for thought ahead of the coming weeks. The winning goal against Barcelona was crucial and continued to emphasise his impact as a clutch player who steps up and, more often than not, scores on the most important of occasions.

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Against Newcastle in the cup final, the winger caused plenty of problems in tandem with Marcus Rashford when running in behind the opposition's high defensive line, which was a key tactical aspect of the first half that eventually ended up deciding the contest in United's favour.

9. Fred

Stats: 35 appearances, five goals, four assists

Seemingly no player splits opinion across the fanbase more than the diminutive midfielder. Fred put in a pivotal performance during the return leg against Barcelona, showing real character in bouncing back from an