Erik ten Hag treated Carabao Cup final like a 'normal away' game, shows his elite mentality

Erik ten Hag treated the Carabao Cup final like a 'normal away game' and stuck to his ordinary preparations in a sign of elite mentality.

Ten Hag has wasted no time in bringing success to Manchester United as his side beat Newcastle United 2-0 on Sunday to win the Carabao Cup.

He delivered a meticulous game plan and was just as precise in his preparations for the Wembley Stadium showpiece.

According to Laurie Whitwell, Ten Hag made no special arrangements for the cup final and stuck to his usual routine, treating it like a 'normal away game'.

Erik ten Hag lifts the Carabao Cup trophy. Image: Alamy

Man United got the train from Stockport to Watford, then a coach down to the Novotel on Wembley Way - there was no five-star resort for the team.

On Saturday night, Newcastle went for a walk on the pitch with Eddie Howe giving a team talk in the dressing room.

Ten Hag, however, made no special plans and continued with that theme following the victory.

His squad boarded a flight to Manchester at 10pm (GMT), without any major celebrations, with attention already turning to Wednesday's FA Cup tie against West Ham United.

Slowly but surely, Ten Hag is implementing his philosophy on the team and it's paying off.

The Dutch boss was even asked whether it was a gamble to accept the position at Man United during his post-match press conference.

"Maybe it was a risk but I'm a little bit stubborn! And I just love United," he said.

"When I see our shirts, when I see our bond with the fans, when I see Old Trafford, when I see [a] legacy like Sir Alex [Ferguson] left.

"So many big players were developed in United teams and it makes a big impression – we want to do the same.

"This team wants to make its own history, its own legacy. When this opportunity came, I thought this is the right club for me, I want to be a part of it."