Paul Merson believes winning the Carabao Cup will mean more to Newcastle United fans than finishing in the top four. The Magpies reached the League Cup final after defeating Southampton 2-1 at St James' Park on Tuesday. Sean Longstaff scored his first career brace as Newcastle prevailed 3-1 on aggregate.
Eddie Howe's men eliminated Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City respectively in the earlier rounds, and will face Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on February 26.
Newcastle also occupy a place in the top four in the Premier League, but Merson says that ending their 54-year trophy drought will be more significant to the supporters.
READ NEXT: TalkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy hopes Newcastle United win nothing with 'Poor Newcastle' claim
"I am going, win the cup. If I'm a Geordie fan and I've followed this team around since the age of five for the last 50 years, I would want to win the cup," Merson told Sky Sports News.
"You've got to remember, 50 odd years without a trophy, that's a long time. I was listening to Geordie fans the other day, it's over two decades since they've been to Wembley.
"For me, win a trophy. If you win a trophy there, you're a legend."
READ NEXT:
Kieran Trippier's response to 'tough' Newcastle transfer question as he dismisses £80m signing talk
Elliot Anderson's transfer message after Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe blocked January loan bids
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe reveals his delight as Callum Wilson ends goal drought
Newcastle United transfer rumours: Saint-Maximin's AC Milan 'talks' and Joe White 'loving' loan
