Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville is of the opinion that Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope's absence will hurt their chances of winning a trophy when the side meets the Red Devils in the upcoming EFL Cup Final on February 26. Pope received a red card for a rash challenge during Newcastle's loss to Liverpool on the weekend, and his missing out will be a big blow for the Magpies when the two sides meet at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said that the toughest position on a football pitch is the goalkeeper and Pope's absence is a huge blow to the side. "I think the toughest position on a football pitch is a goalkeeper. As much as I'm quite critical of them at times, I respect that position enormously. It's a tough position. The other is to play up front on your own," said Neville.
"Newcastle not having (Nick) Pope for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday is a blow to them. But it's a cup final. Newcastle will be desperate to win, just as Man Utd will be. But it has to be an advantage to United for Newcastle to lose such an important player," he added.
Newcastle last won a trophy back in 1955, and all eyes will be on the team that were recently purchased by Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman and are fighting for a spot in the top four as well.
Neville said United are also playing an important game against Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League, so their thoughts will also be occupied by that. "Man United play on Thursday night, though, against Barcelona in what is an important, monumental second leg after a brilliant game in the Nou Camp, so that might equalise it a little bit as well, that Man Utd have other thoughts this week," said Neville.
"But it's going to be a really interesting game. I'm going to be there and I can't wait for it because it's a really intriguing story that both these clubs are desperate for a trophy," Neville added.
