Eddie Howe seals third Carabao Cup semi-final in four years | OneFootball

And three of those have come in the last four seasons under Eddie Howe, the head coach who masterminded last season's first domestic trophy win in 70 years.

As well as leading United to silverware at Wembley in March, Howe took the Magpies to the final in 2023, when they were beaten by Manchester United.

Now they're in the final four once more after goals from Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley saw off Premier League rivals Fulham at St. James' Park.

Prior to Howe's arrival in November 2021, Newcastle had only got beyond the quarter-finals once since the competition's inception in the 1960/61 campaign. That was when they were losing finalists in 1975/76, with Manchester City lifting the trophy at the national stadium.

By contrast, under Howe United have now only once failed to reach at least the last four. They were knocked out at the quarter-final stage on penalties by Chelsea in 2023/24 after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

"I think the players are always the key ones," said Howe, explaining the club's Carabao Cup record during his tenure. "We've got some really good professionals. We've had to navigate, in previous years, some really tough opening rounds; the early games, whether you're home or away, they're the ones that really set the tone for the competition.

"We've had that again - the Bradford game this year was very, very difficult. You've got to try and navigate it, you've got to try and stay in the hat. Then the bigger games, as you get further on into the competition, they're always on a knife edge.

"They're very difficult games to win, but I have to credit the players' mentality. I think that's the key."

Now United face Manchester City in a two-legged semi-final, and Howe added: "Experiencing it last year, the two games were good results for us.

"I love the two-legged semi-finals. I think that's what makes the Carabao Cup slightly unique, the home and away ties. This is going to be a really tough tie, and everyone wants a trophy."

Semi-final ticketing information

Once fixture details are confirmed, dates will be announced for the Mags Member Ballot, and hospitality packages will go on sale.

How to secure your place:

* Become a Mags Member

to access the ballot, Mags Member sale for GA tickets and Mags Member ticket exchange. https://book.newcastleunited.com/Memberships

* Register your interest

in our matchday hospitality packages to be the first to know when they become available - click here.