Carabao Cup final defeat has ‘strengthened’ Newcastle owners’ ambitions

Newcastle’s owners have insisted Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat has only strengthened their resolve to bring success to the club.

The Magpies’ hierarchy, which is 80 per cent funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has invested in excess of £250million in the squad since taking up the reins at St James’ Park in October 2021.

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was among a crowd of 87,306 at Wembley as Eddie Howe’s men went down 2-0 to Manchester United in their first final since 1999, but that disappointment has simply whetted the appetite for what lies ahead.

In a message to supporters, the club’s board said: “On the pitch, the team gave everything to achieve the victory we all craved. With the support of Eddie and the backroom team, they showed tenacity, bravery and absolute commitment to the cause right until the end.

“While the result didn’t go our way, the way everyone stuck together remains a source of immense pride. And we will always remember the incredible flag waving of all of our fans until the final moments of the match.

“That connection and sense of family is part of our identity, and we will need to call on it again as we go forward together into a crucial part of the season ahead.

“While our focus shifts back to the Premier League, our ambitions are strengthened by this experience and it will only make us even more determined as we move forward.

“Once again, thank you sincerely. We are United.”

The directors also thanked fans for their support in London with thousands gathering in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to celebrate the occasion.

The statement continued: “To see London taken over by so many of our fans was very special. We were thrilled to see our fans in great spirits and representing the club and city impeccably.

“And the scenes at a packed Trafalgar Square will live long in the memory, and we would like to pay special tribute to those who helped to clean up afterwards. This simple, selfless gesture is just one example of what makes our supporters the best in the world.

“The scenes around Wembley and inside the stadium on Sunday were beyond inspiring. The passionate support you gave the club throughout the day and the sea of black and white you created were remarkable. We could not have asked for any more from you.”

Newcastle return to action on Saturday, when they visit reigning champions Manchester City having slipped out of the top four following a run of four league games without victory.