THE NOTEBOOK: Phil Jones hasn’t given up on resurrecting his career despite TV appearance

Erik ten Hag claimed his first trophy at Manchester United as the Red Devils beat Newcastle at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Casemiro’s 33rd minute header was swiftly followed by an own goal from Sven Botman, who deflected Marcus Rashford’s strike beyond Newcastle’s stand-in goalkeeper Loris Karius six minutes later.

Although they pushed ardently in the second half for an avenue back into the contest, the Magpies were ultimately unable to end their 54-year wait for a trophy.

Meanwhile, United called an end to their six-year drought without a major trophy, having last won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho. 

Sportsmail’s Chris Wheeler and Craig Hope were on hand to track the things you might have missed during Sunday’s final at Wembley.

Phil’s not giving up yet

Is Phil Jones preparing for a new career as a TV pundit?

The injury-plagued Manchester United defender hasn’t played for the club in nearly 10 months due to persistent knee problems, but he was in the Sky Sports studio for the final at Wembley.

However, Jones insists he hasn’t given up hope of resurrecting his career. ‘It’s been a long road, there’s no hiding from that – at times physically and mentally,’ admitted the 31-year-old.

‘I’m a strong character and I love playing football. I’m doing everything I can to get back on the pitch. When you’ve had all the issues and injury wise, you know, it’s hard to deal with that.

‘The club have been absolutely fantastic with me. I think I’ve had good support around me from family and friends. I’m grateful for that and I want to be back outside.’

Man United co-owner spotted 

Avram Glazer was in the directors’ box at Wembley to see United win their first trophy in six years.

It doesn’t make a blind bit of difference to how the fans feel about the American owners, though, as they keep their fingers crossed for a takeover. Chants of ‘we want Glazers out’ echoed around the red and white half of Wembley in the first half and again in the dying minutes.

Déjà vu for Casemiro

Nice touch from Casemiro who gave Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius a high five when he went up for a Manchester United corner early on. 

The Brazilian was playing for Real Madrid when Karius had a nightmare playing for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final. It didn’t stop Casemiro heading past Karius for the opening goal shortly afterwards, mind.

Sustainable souvenir scarves for fans

Maybe Manchester United knew their fans would have more reason than Newcastle’s to want to remember this game in years to come.

While Newcastle went for plastic black and white flags for their supporters to wave before kick-off, United wanted a more lasting memento for theirs and issued each one with a limited edition scarf.

‘The club have decided against handing out the plastic flags that have become part of Wembley occasions in favour of the more collectable and sustainable souvenir scarves,’ said a club spokesman.

First of many?  

Erik ten Hag carried the Carabao Cup into his post-match press conference and then forgot it as he left afterwards.

Turning back after realising his mistake, the United manager joked: ‘I’m already on to the next cup – this one is in!’

Andy Carroll in the Royal Box 

Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll was in the Royal Box. Now a Royal himself, with Reading, Carroll had done his bit to aid his old club’s cause by making the tackle during an FA Cup game last month which ruled out Christian Eriksen here. 

However, in the battle of the Battle of the Brazilians in midfield – Fred and Casemiro versus Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton – Man United hardly missed Eriksen’s presence and their duo showed why they have 101 international caps between them compared to the 10 of Guimaraes. Joelinton, meanwhile, remains uncapped.

Eddie Howe’s big call

Howe’s biggest call was whether to start with £60million record signing Alexander Isak in attack or recall Callum Wilson. He opted for the latter but Wilson again looked off the pace – as he has done since the World Cup – and by the time the more purposeful Isak was introduced at half-time Newcastle were already 2-0 down. 

You do wonder how much of a physical and mental hit Wilson has taken in giving his heart and soul to make that England squad. Gareth Southgate was in the stands but you’d be surprised if Wilson keeps his place for next month’s matches against Italy and Ukraine.